Hui Kahu Dies

Hui “Nanny” Kahu, who sang on chart-topping indigenous Maori language anthem “Poi E” died April 27 from cancer. She was 73.

“Poi E” was released in 1983 by The Patea Maori Club, and was in the NZ charts for 22 weeks.

Its message to Maoris to be proud of their heritage struck a chord with a young hip-hop generation. It remains a staple at raves and sports events, and expanded into a musical about effects of the closure of the freezing factory in the small town of Patea.

In 2010, a remix for local movie “Boy” returned to the charts.

Friend Sydney Kershaw said, “Nanny was humble, and never bathed in glory. Instead her priority was, as an elder, to pass on her singing skills to young New Zealanders.”

The song was performed at her funeral April 30.

Busker Writes NZ’s Olympics Theme

“Stand Tall,” by Auckland busker Sam RB, was chosen by 25,000 voters as NZ’s theme song for the 2012 Olympics.

RB entered a competition with 300 others by the NZ Olympic Committee for a song to inspire athletes.

The song was produced with Split Enz keyboardist Eddie Rayner. RB will perform the song at NZ functions in London.

First ‘Three Strikes’Scalp: $15k Fine

The first enforcement notice was sent out under New Zealand’s “three strikes” law, which came into effect September 2011.

Internet service provider TelstraClear would not divulge the downloader’s identity. He or she will appear before the Copyright Tribunal and faces a fine of up to NZ$15,000 (US$12,237).

Up to 75 suspected illegal downloaders were given two warnings in the law’s first few months on behalf of the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand.

None came from NZFACT, which represents major Hollywood film studios.

Kevin Borich Headlining Fiji Fest

Australian blues guitar virtuoso Kevin Borich headlines the Fiji International Jazz and Blues Festival May 10-13 at Port Denarau in Nadi.

Other acts include singer-songewriter Lenore Helm, New Zealand guitarists Billy TK Jr. and Paul Ubana Jones, New Caledonian keyboardsman Michel Benebig, Australia’s Andrea Lisa, and Fiji’s 11-piece Déjà vu, guitarist Tom Mawi and jazz singer Laisa Vulakoro. The event, partnered with the country’s national carrier Air Pacific, drew 2,000 patrons last year.