This debut album set a precedence by fusing traditional Maori instruments, chants and beats with contemporary dance and soul grooves in its title track. Its video was voted Top Female Video of the Year by television viewers. Black Pearl became an anthem for Maori women. It reached No.2 on the National Charts and earned the band its first gold record.
“The most spine-tingling moments you’ll hear from a N.Z album this year.”
(NZ Herald)
“Brown, proud, musically and lyrically…could only have come from New Zealand.”
(Evening Post)