

Wellington-born of Samoan heritage, the now Auckland-based Bill Urale, aka King Kapisi, is a rapper like no other. A multi-instrumentalist incorporating roots and funk influences into his work, King Kapisi's primary lyrical concerns regard the socio-political impact of the modern world on traditional Polynesian culture and values. Even before he released his debut album, 2000's critically acclaimed Savage Thoughts, his talent was recognised with the APRA NZ songwriter of the year award back in 1999. A father of four, he's a rapper that puts family and community ahead of gangsta mentality.