Friendly groove

Sharu Delilkan | 2nd February 2010

Tha Feelstyle likes nothing better than to entertain with long-time friend King Kapisi, reports Sharu Delilkan.

Kas Futialo, better known among his fans as Tha Feelstyle, is looking forward to grooving on stage at Hip Hop Lives Here with his music partner of many years, King Kapisi.

The show is one of the free Music in Parks Waitakere Sounds series that begin on Waitangi Day.

Two chart toppers, Midnight Youth and Dane Rumble, are also on the bill. Russell Harrison and his Motown Band headline a subsequent show on March 14. A third show, labelled "an all-star DJ beach party" will liven up the afternoon of March 21.

Supporting the Hip Hop Lives Here show is New Zealand's Sellaband recording pioneer Maitreya. "We grew up together so there's a great connection when we perform," says Tha Feelstyle. "All we need to do is give the other a look and he knows he's on."

King Kapisi is excited about appearing with his "best friend". "He's my favourite rapper in the world. To be honest, I think he's the most underestimated talent that we have in Aotearoa. He can rap in English and kill it, and then change to Samoan and do the same. I think of him as a pioneer both here and in Samoa because of his versatility."

Tha Feelstyle says his biggest secret is humour, when performing live. "I like going to watch a play and feel the emotion. Similarly, when I perform, I like the audience to feel where I'm coming from. I find that humour is a great way to connect with them. Otherwise, if you're gonna sing and perform exactly what has been recorded people might as well stay at home and listen to the CD."

Hip Hop Lives Here, Henderson Park, 41 Wilshire Cres, Henderson, Feb 21, 2- 4pm. For more details, see www.waitakeresounds.co.nz