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Herbs

Herbs are a pioneering New Zealand reggae band, widely regarded as the founding fathers of Pacific Reggae. Formed in the late 1970s, Herbs carved a path for the genre in New Zealand and abroad, blending Pacific elements with roots reggae, and giving voice to social issues, something not commonly found in the music scene at that time. Herbs' success is attributed not only to their infectious melodies and rhythms but also to their political consciousness, addressing themes such as indigenous rights and environmental issues in their lyrics.

Over the years, Herbs have released a number of albums and singles that have become essential listening for reggae fans. "Light of the Pacific" (1983) is one of their most acclaimed albums, capturing the spirit of the South Pacific with its harmonious fusion of social commentary and hopeful anthems. They continued their run with albums like "Long Ago" (1984) and "Sensitive to a Smile" (1987), which further cemented their status within the music community. Though their line-up has seen changes through the years, the essence of Herbs' music – a mix of love songs, reggae beats, and political messages – remains intact, as evidenced in the socially conscious album "What's Be Happen?" (1981). Their significance to New Zealand's musical and cultural landscape was underscored by their soundtrack contribution to the animated feature film "Footrot Flats - The Dog's Tale" (1986), a beloved local classic. Continuing to capture live audiences, their album "Live in Tahiti (Pacific Reggae)" showcases the band's dynamic performance abilities and their continued relevance in the Pacific music scene. Herbs are not just a band but a cultural institution, instrumental in pushing forward conversations about identity and community through their music.

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