Reggae/Review Groove Incorporated - Aotearoa Reggae

Groove Incorporated is spearheaded by ex-Auckland club DJ-turned-producer Michael Fredrickson. The work draws on a range of influences but is geared towards reggae/R&B/hip-hop and electronica. MF performs drumming duties in addition to executive production, arrangement, and mixing. Session musicians are recruited depending on the unique requirements of each project.

“Aotearoa Reggae,” Groove Incorporated's most recent song, is a lively tribute to the development of reggae music in New Zealand that combines historical narrative with cultural pride. This song, which is their fourth release, explores the origins of reggae's introduction to Aotearoa, highlighting how Māori and Polynesian communities embraced it in the late 1970s and how it helped advance social and racial justice in the 1980s. Reggae's lasting impact flourishes in today's festival scene, connecting with a wide range of people and becoming an essential element of New Zealand's music environment.

Classic reggae artistry is exemplified musically by “Aotearoa Reggae.” An real "one drop" beat serves as the track's foundation for its catchy groove. Skanks on the piano and electric guitar provide rhythmic intensity, while a bubbling organ line provides warmth and depth. While rich harmonies create a lush backdrop that heightens the song's festive tone, the streetwise lead voice is both powerful and soulful, weaving the story with conviction.

This tune is unique because it skillfully combines sound and history. In addition to celebrating reggae's significant influence on Aotearoa, Groove Incorporated revitalizes its ageless appeal with a new and captivating sound. The song acknowledges reggae's history while reaffirming its position in the present, creating a sense of intergenerational bridging. The deep, rhythmic celebration of “Aotearoa Reggae” encourages, informs, and inspires listeners to move to the beat of history. For both reggae fans and culture aficionados, it's a remarkable anthem.