Dilworth Karaka, a founding member and enduring frontman of New Zealand reggae band Herbs, has passed away, leaving a lasting legacy in Pacific reggae and Aotearoa’s music scene.
Born in 1950, Karaka co-founded Herbs in Auckland in 1979, helping fuse Jamaican rhythms with Māori and Pasifika storytelling and political consciousness.
Karaka and Herbs became a powerful voice for marginalised communities, addressing issues such as the Dawn Raids and the Bastion Point eviction — events he personally witnessed that shaped the band’s early work, including the landmark 1981 EP What’s Be Happen?
The band later released iconic songs such as French Letter and collaborated with artists including Dave Dobbyn, Tim Finn and Annie Crummer.
Herbs were recognised as cultural icons in 2012 when they were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
Their story and influence were later celebrated in the 2019 documentary Herbs: Songs of Freedom.
Karaka’s whānau confirmed his death in a statement shared on social media.
He will lie in state at Ōrākei Marae on March 9, followed by two nights at Whaatapaka Marae, where his burial will also take place.
Karaka’s contribution to music and activism cemented him as a defining figure in New Zealand’s cultural and political landscape, ensuring his voice resonates long beyond his lifetime.
Source: 1news
