Founding member of Supergroove, and certified icon of reggae music in New Zealand, Che Fu is a name that’s spoken in revered tones in his homeland.

You’re known in NZ as an icon of the hip hop, reggae scene; obviously that’s a nice compliment to have in your back pocket?

Gee, that sort of stuff is awfully humbling. When I hear words like ‘icon’ being thrown around in regards to me, I feel like I should at least have arthritis and a pension. But yes, it’s great to be recognised in such a way, and I can honestly say, that I’m totally grateful for the job I have.

Performing at the Queen's Golden Jubilee... what was that like? And does the Queen dig her NZ hip hop and reggae?

That was just nuts! We played smack-dab in the middle of Hyde Park, on a day when one million people were out on the streets to celebrate; it was absolutely epic. As for the Queen and her hip hop/ reggae sensibilities, I’m unsure. But the future King, Prince William, did mention to me on his last visit at a dinner at Government House that he liked Jay-Z.

Do you have any memories of when you stood side of stage at a Bob Marley concert in 1978 as a four year old?

A few. I remember standing on stage next to the keyboardist, looking into the crowd and seeing gang members of the Mongrel Mob and the Black Power (bitter enemies) in a state of bliss, all enjoying the music oblivious to their rivalry. Testament to the man and his music.

Your upbringing; how important was music both personally and socially growing up for you?

Like most people, my parents, musical tastes were a big influence on me. Coupled with the fact that my Dad (Tigilau Ness) had a reggae band, music was very significant in my daily life. In terms of social influence, my parents, inspired by the words and life of Robert Nesta Marley, helped form a branch of '12 Tribes of Israel' in NZ and subsequently converted to Rastafarianism in the early ‘80s.