Free music fest with a message in Kaikohe

DAY OUT: Reggae band House of Shem are playing at a free festival in Kaikohe on Thursday. PHOTO/PETER DE GRAAF

A free festival in Kaikohe this week aims to combine good music and good vibes with a serious message.

Raumati Fest, at Kaikohe Memorial Park from 2-6pm on Thursday, features a line-up of top reggae performers, including House of Shem, Majic and One Tribe. The event will be hosted by youth performing arts group Tu Ake.

As well as entertainment and a pre-Christmas day out, the festival aims to spread messages about safe driving, water safety and the risks of alcohol over summer.

Tu Ake, known for its Stories from A Company production earlier this year, is also taking the chance to target a personal safety issue often regarded as taboo: suicide and self-harm.

For the past few months, the group has been writing, performing and recording a new single, I'll Be Here For You, about suicide prevention and supporting young people through life changes.

The song was composed with help from reggae artist Majic and produced by House of Shem Productions, who donated their time and expertise to the cause.

Programme coordinator Te Whenua Harawira said their musical influences shone through in the end product, which was a beautifully produced, well-written single, with an infectious melody and beat.

The single was recorded in the excellent acoustics of Kohewhata Marae near Kaikohe.

The process of creating the song, from lyrics to launch, had been supported by RAID, a youth suicide prevention movement also taking part at Raumati Fest.

Tu Ake Performing Arts has previously performed at Ngapuhi Festival and supported One Tribe.