‘Hammock music’ at Leigh

Samoan/Australian artist Bobby Alu is playing at Leigh Sawmill on January 8.Bobby is touring with five-piece band, the Palm Royale, which is playing five shows in New Zealand.

Bobby has become a festival favourite for his signature ‘hammock music’ and has become renowned for his drumming for Australian musician Xavier Rudd.

Influenced by his Polynesian heritage and Australian upbringing, his music has a fresh, simple sound powered by ukulele, Pacific beats, catchy songs, four-part harmony and powerful log drumming, with hints of soul and reggae.

Since supporting Katchafire on their 2012 Oz tour, Bobby has firmly had his sights set on touring in NZ.

“I’ve been waiting a long time to perform my music in NZ. It’s home to so many of my musical heroes. Finally, we are on our way!” Bobby says.

Following the successful launch of his new six-track EP in March, Bobby won the Most Popular Male Artist at the Queensland Music Awards. The band’s title track from 2013, Take it Slow, was also chosen by Samoa Tourism as theme song for their Beautiful Samoa roadshow campaign, launched in June.