herbs

Herbs was already established as one of Auckland's two reggae bands when Phil Toms Joined in early 1981, replacing bass player Jack Allen.  Soon Herbs were in the studio recording the worlds first ever pacific reggae album. They went on to tour New Zealand with english reggae stars Black Slate, and then UB40.

In true reggae tradition the content of the album was political and social, something quite rare in New Zealand music. The plucky band of two samoans, one tongan, one maori and one european took the music scene by surprise and "Whats Be Happen" became an underground hit. The release of "Whats Be Happen" preceded the 1981 south african springbok rugby tour. Opening song, "Azania" by Ross France, was about Apartheid South Africa, and "One Brotherhood" written and sung by Phil Toms was about the  springbok tour and social implications for native land rights at home. "Whats Be Happen" featured on the cover the police demolition of the protest settlement on Bastion Point, and is credited with helping towards the return of Bastion Point to Ngati Whatua. It also helped catalyse social unrest which led to  the springbok tour riots, which helped to define New Zealand as a positively multiracial society.

Lead singer - Tony Fonoti (except One Bro)     guitar - Spencer Fusimalohi      guitar - Dilworth Karaka     Fretless Bass Guitar - Phil Toms      Drums - Fred Faleoto (r.i.p.)

The return of Bastion Point is recognised as opening the door for the Treaty claim process which has seen much land and assets returned to maori tribes.

Phil Toms helped write several early Herbs songs including "Reggea's doing fine"  "Them's the Breaks", "Sensitive to a Smile" and "French Letter". He left Herbs after deterioration of relations with singer songwriter Toni Fonoti, who left not long after, moved to Australia and became a rastafarian preacher.

Herbs continued and went on to become one of New Zealands biggest bands, with numerous line up changes and song writers. Dilworth Karaka is the only one remaining from the original line up.

"Whats Be Happen" was recorded on vinyl and despite many requests over several years Dilworth  has consistently refused to allow the album  to be released on CD, effectively stopping anyone from listening to it  and erasing it from the musical history of New Zealand. It is considered by many who remember it to be the best Herbs album.

ONE BROTHERHOOD mp3