Music and business go together for 'Mr Fu'

Che Ness, MNZM, who performs as 'Che Fu' said he chuckled when he received a letter from the Prime Minister and Governor-General addressed to 'Mr Fu'. Photo / Supplied

Hip-hop star Che Fu had a little chuckle when he saw the letter from the Governor-General and Prime Minister John Key addressed to "Mr Fu".

The award-winning musician was thrilled to read he was being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit - but was on the phone quickly to ask if he could have the honour in his real name, Che Kuo Eruera Ness.

Since departing breakthrough 90s rock band Supergroove, the silken-voiced singer has clocked up a series of chart-topping and award-winning singles under his solo moniker Che Fu.

But yesterday it was back to the name on his passport as he honoured his family and his late grandmother, Moka Hekafa Ness, without whom he says his musical career would never have started.

His musical education began with his father, Unity Pacific frontman Tigilau Ness - one of the founders of New Zealand reggae music and the recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award at last month's Pacific Music Awards.

From there he became a familiar face as the melodic voice of Supergroove, crooning chart-topping hits including 1994's Sitting Inside My Head.

He credits being thrust into the music industry as part of a young and successful band with giving him the business nous to survive more than a decade since as a solo artist.

"One of the classic sayings we used to throw around [in the Supergroove days] was, 'You've got to have your guitar case in one hand and your briefcase in the other.'

"It's about having that ability to deal with music companies and express your ideas around the boardroom."

These days he says his partner and four young sons are the fuel for his songwriting.

He has been awarded the APRA silver scroll for his songwriting and scooped multiple New Zealand music awards for his solo work, often backed by his live band The Krates.

Today's Queen's Birthday honour is for services to music.