NESIAN STYLES (RE)PRESENT R‘N’ B:THE APPROPRIATION, TRANSFORMATION AND REALIZATION OF CONTEMPORARY R'N'B WITH HIP HOP BY URBAN PASIFIKA GROUPS IN AOTEAROA

Abstract

This paper will first give a brief cultural context of hip hop and its meanings in Aotearoa. The relationship and nature of hip hop and r‘n’ b at its point of origin (in America) is explored showing how the two pop genres are intimately related historically and musically, in Aotearoa and in the United States. From the Pacific community and media, a contemporary [Poly] ‘Nesian Style’ is evolving which utilises this creative and cultural combination. Many of the key Aotearoa ‘Nesian’ styles and artists are introduced, citing their songs, musical influences, and Pacific themes. This outline of artists supports the notion of r‘n’ b as contemporary local cultural expression and, alongside hip hop, as a ‘Nesian Style’. Academic theory around the politicisation and deviance of African American music forms is explored, suggesting that r‘n’ b can be as political and meaningful, and as radical, as hip hop, both representing notions of black history, black community, and black stories. A final discussion presents the synchretic features of love songs, religion and dance which also drive these musical alignments. Interviews with local artists confirm these synchronies and support the concept that, as in the United States, r‘n’ b carries significations of history, race and community which are behind its and hip hop’s appropriation in Aotearoa.