Mau Power – Q&A Interview

Tell us a little about yourself. Where you are from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?

I was born and raised in the Torres Strait Islands. We are made up of over 200 tropical Islands and are located between the tip Australia and the coastal lines of Papua New Guinea. 17 of those Islands are inhabited. We, the people of the Torres Strait Islands are one of two indigenous cultures to Australia.

I was raised on Thursday Island which is the main centre island of the Torres Straits. I have been a part of the Hip Hop culture since I was 7 years old. I started rapping when I was 12-13. I decided to do this professionally at 16 and pursued a music career ever since.

What influences you in making Hip Hop?

The culture for Hip Hop as a whole for me and all that it represents. When it came through the Torres Straits I feel in love with the art of self- expression. It was the freedom of self – expression without judgement and anyone and everyone could be a part of it. It is also the art of storytelling. In Torres Strait culture, like many other indigenous cultures of the world, knowledge and history is taught in an oral tradition. Music, songs and dance are the timelines of significant events and cultural teachings of our people. This is also the essence of Hip Hop. So the culture itself with the art of storytelling & self – expression is what influences me to make Hip Hop music. That and all the pioneers that have made real good music!

Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?

My music is essentially Hip Hop culture fused with the culture of the Torres Strait. The stories, elements, language and sound reflect this. Every MC has a story to tell, I’m just telling mine. And the stories that I share are honest & universal, many people can relate to it. The trials and tribulations of life, the successes & searching for self-identity.

Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?

I have had the pleasure to collaborate with artists that I have been inspired by in the Indigenous Australian music industry. I have collaborated with Archie Roach, Radical Son, King Kadu, and Christine Anu. Growing up, these artist were some of my great inspirations.

I would like to collaborate with artists in the future. As a far of True skool Hip Hop, there are too many to name, but it is a plan I’m working on and we have reached out to a few brilliant artists that so far have shown nothing but love.

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

Underground Hip Hop to me is music that represents the roots of Hip Hop, the non-commercial Hip Hop. It is the music you won’t find in commercial outlets, but find it on every street corner. Music you won’t hear it on every radio station, but hear everybody playing it. Music you won’t hear any big publicity around it, but everybody’s talking about it. That to me that is underground Hip Hop. The people.

Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production?  And who would you like to work with?

The influences in the production come from all types of music. Of course Hip Hop is a lot of bottom end, low end frequencies, but I like to not limit the creativity to just that. I work with Mike Justice of Meridian Nights, he is the producer of the album. In the future I would like to have production collaborations, but I will see where my journey takes me.

Any current or future projects you are promoting?

Under my label “One Blood Hidden Image Entertainment group” I have just released my single & video, Island Home. I have another more underground song coming soon followed by a video with an Australian cultural icon which will drop the same time as my album. So it will be a busy few months leading up to July. we are also producing some upcoming emerging artist through Meridian Nights & my label. They are still in early stages, but it is all coming together nicely.

Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of Island Home (Music Video)?

The video was a collaborative idea with Rush Photography, Mike Justice and Mau Power. We wanted to capture elements that represented where I come from and show the world the Torres Strait islands. It was about bringing the viewer into my world for 3 minutes and introduce my world, my culture to the world. And of course still keep it Hip Hop in its elements.

Where can we find your music and info?

www.maupower.com – you can find all the info you need about Mau Power

www.facebook.com/maupower99

www.youtube.com/maupower99

Any shout outs?

I want to give a shout out to:

Mike Justice & Ben Hense, Beat tank productions for making the project a reality

Rush Photography for the music videos collaborations

Uncle Archie Roach, Radical Son, Kind Kadu, Christine Anu, Ricky Ragga, Candy Borquaye, Wylie J, Fortify, X-Latu, B-Two – for being a part of the music and working with a bala.

Dj J-Funk, Shirley Davis, Carla Troiano, Joey Laifoo – You guys made the tour and live performances an amazing experience for the people.

“The Poverty ass production crew”, “Home Boys Balas”, “One Blood Hidden Image” – You guys are the foundation of which I started in this Hip Hop.

My Family and extended family for the extensive support

To my Universal Zulu Nation family – Thank you for Hip Hop! Peace, Love and Respect! Mau Power.