Soul Paua are Jerry Banse and Turei Reedy. Jerry is Samoan; Turei, a Maori. Their music is in te reo and sometimes English, and is a mix of rock, jazz, blues folk and traditional Maori music. Their debut album is based on the story of an urban young Maori prophet and is currently being developed as a stage production. The songs on the album follow the story of one man from his birth, the troubles he is confronted with, the prophetic abilities he discovers and how he reflects on his journey.
The themes talk about the ability of anyone to do anything at any time. The story is based on the tales of Maui and the prophets, both of which came from unlikely beginnings. Maui was abandoned at birth and the prophets were often considered rebels or on the outside of decent society. —Courtesy Calabash Music
