1814

About the Artist

1814 are an 8-piece Reggae Band whose members live in the hills surrounding the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour and nearby town of Kerikeri, Northland.

Patu Colbert (guitar/vocals), formed the band with sons Shaun (drums) and Jimmy (bass), in 2004. "We started out supporting various community events and festivals around Northland and now travel around the country performing our take on Kiwi flavoured reggae," said Patu. As the popularity of the band grew, so has the members which now include Darren Katene (lead vocals); Katherine Te Haara–Atama (vocals); Reuben Heger (sax); Erana Jones (keys) and Maihi Pinker (vocals).

The name, 1814, was taken from the year the Gospel arrived at Oihi, in the Bay Of Islands. Missionary Samuel Marsden held the first sermon there on Christmas Day, 1814. This is the inspiration behind delivering a message of peace, love and unity to all people throughout the world.

Jah Rydem, the bands debut album has been well received around the country. Patu describes the sound as having an up beat, funky, r’n’b, roots reggae feel to it. Song writing for the album was shared between band members with Darren writing lyrics for several of the songs.

"If you love skankin, you'll love the live show's, full of energy, up beat grooves, wicked sax and sweet soulful vocals," said Patu.

The band plays at various gigs and festivals throughout the year and has had the privilege of sharing the bill with some of the country’s top acts: Katchafire, House of Shem, 3 Houses Down, Cornerstone Roots, Unity Pacific, Ardijah, Ruia Aperahama, Whirimako Black, Che Fu, Moana and the Tribe, Spacifix and International Guitar player, Billy TK Jnr to name a few.