Gig Review: Corrella @ San Fran, Wellington – 16/08/2025

It’s mid-winter in the Capital and many locals are tired and fed up. We’ve been smacked about by a poor economy, politicians and right-wing leaders of cruel austerity, determined to smash aspirations for a vivid bi-cultural future that honours our past under the guiding principles of Te Tiriti, love and kindness.

So, tonight was a time for celebration and a recognition of conscious roots – whānau, community, history, and good vibes.

Being a political town, we often have our heads own in soup. So, it’s always a revelation when we come across those rainbows of hope and talent that are out in nearly every corner across the motu – lie Corrella. Over the last few years they’ve become festival taonga in their own right, touring nationwide alongside legends like L.A.B. They’ve built up a reputation for energetic stage shows, tight musicianship, and an overall ‘feel-good’ vibe, with their magical blend of reggae, funk and soul, often delivering lyrics in Te Reo Māori – which I reckon feels so right for their particular blend of reggae.

With a handful of radio friendly singles like Blue Eyed Māori, Lady Divine and How Will I Know they’ve found themselves popular with a wide audience across the motu.

Their new album Skeletons dropped recently, to many deserved accolades. And tonight, we got to sample some of that release and soak up the warm vibes.

I got there early because I wanted to check out the warmup act, Valley Kids who drawn their inspiration from outfits like Tomorrow People and Sons Of Zion. Formed by Daniel Sugrue and Peter Riley in 2020 (and now includes Nai McGregor and Ihaka Tukapua). They’ve racked up an impressive swag of singles including the 70’s sweet- good grooves of Make Me Feel, produced by the late, great and much missed DJ Mu at his legendary Bay’s Studio.

Tonight, we were treated to a Te Reo Māori adaptation of their first single Moni, which sounds is even sweeter live. “Anyone from the Hutt! Chur”, shouts McGregor and the band rip into a blistering heavy barrage of guitar riffs before settling into one of their signature tunes, Which Side Are You On? With his long dreads sweeping arcs of energy, Sugrue’s axe is melting facial features all through the solos. Meanwhile the bass is so deep and dark dubbing that I was feeling truly concerned for the crockery in the Sushi Train on the floor below.

This is one tight playing, polished, yet relaxed unit, bringing the groove with a mix of covers (Broke, Church, Subtribe) and originals. McGregor’s vocals is relaxed and easy, and he’s totally connecting with the crowd. The night is pretty much sold out and most of the punters are already here blissfully skanking out like it’s a warm March Sunday.

A bit of surprise mash up is their ‘Hype Set’ of recent classics like No Diggity and This Is How We Do It, mixed in with various other familiar riffs and licks, with the people cheering and chanting in recognition. They wrap up with the island funky vibes of Only I Will. And the room gets even sweatier!

As if it wasn’t hot enough, the notches are pushed beyond 11 when the eight-piece incarnation of Corrella take to the boards, stepping out in the deep dub-ness of Power.

The inevitable Skankin’, a festival fav, takes over the room, which by now is fully heaving. Are all winners. Everybody is dancing, huge smiles of enjoyment.

Over the course of the night, Corrella will raise their own levels over and over. Numbers such as Ko Au (in Te Reo), War and Bonfire (from Skeletons) and the new single Lady Divine. The latter is already a householder, with the whole room singing the chorus back which sets the permanent smiles of the band, especially Pipiwharauroa – lead singer and Te Naawe Tupe – guitar. The same goes for the beaming Rebekah Brady. Her eyes flash like rare diamonds of joy. And she appears genuinely grateful when a massive cheer comes every time she steps up to the microphone. She totally nails Summertime In Aotearoa and big hit How Will I Know. We’re equally thankful, it has to be said.

There’s an invisible link between the stage and the whānau present that brings us all together. It’s undeniable.

A nod to the days when Corrella was just a covers band comes out with a bit of a funk medley (and a chance to let the two-piece horn section get a little down ’n’ dirty) when they literally plaster the walls with a big-time 70’s show-funk rendition of Stayin’ Alive. It’s no stretch to believe that having a bit of 70’s disco in your musical whakapapa makes you even more awesome. Corrella is living proof of that!

There’s time for another smash, Blue Eyed Māori, and a nod to Bob Marley in the chorus of Heke. The goose pimples were out during the final communal Waiata as we all crooned E Papa at the top of our lungs before rounding off the night with mega-funky signature tune, Chur Māori.

What really struck me was the energy level both bands put out – and was received back. They were all having so much fun. There was genuine aroha in the room for Corrella and Valley Kids. Both were totally fizzing form the first chords. They knew their people and embraced the vibe.

When I think of a certain politician’s recent dismissal of quality Waiata like this, I think he was just jealous he couldn’t get in on it. That certainly wasn’t the feeling of the capacity room tonight. Especially when looking around was a sea of black t-shirts emblazoned with Corrella’s trademark Chur Māori. They were all here, every culture and age. Altogether, feeling the summer vibes on a cold winter’s night. Feeling the aroha.

As I descended the stairs, someone behind me commented: “What a cool concert. I feel my soul has been replenished.” Couldn’t have put it better myself.

Arohanui ki a koe, Corrella.

Photo Credit: Taylor Vincent for Muzic.NZ
Corrella Photo Gallery
Valley Kids Photo Gallery