Photo Credit: New Zealand Cricket
Kiwi music legend King Kapisi has reimagined his classic song, Screems From Da Old Plantation, into a summer cricket anthem.
With the help of a team of artists, musicians, and music producers – as well as NZC’s major sponsor, ANZ, the song blends Aotearoa New Zealand, Pasifika, and Indian sounds into a cross-cultural mashup.
“When I wrote Screems back in 2000, it was about living in Aotearoa New Zealand but staying in touch with your roots, screaming back to your home; your ancestors,” said the singer-songwriter.
“For me, that’s Samoa. For others it could be New Zealand, India, Bangladesh or England.
“It’s even more relevant today. I want this to be a song everyone is inspired by, no matter where you’re from or which cricket team you’re supporting.
“Cricket was the perfect opportunity to reimagine Screems for new audiences, bringing people’s roots and cultures together.”
The link to cricket comes easily for King Kapisi (real name Bill Urale) who’s spent years working with young people, encouraging them to take up sport at grassroots level.
He will be performing the new song during BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS innings-break shows in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, made possible by Major Sponsor ANZ.
NZC’s GM Marketing and Communications, Stacey Geraghty, said King Kapisi’s new track would fit nicely into the spirit of the home summer programme.
“Cricket fans are competitive, but we also just love a good match”, said Ms Geraghty.
“This season is all about being rivals on the pitch, but mates in the stands. Whichever side you’re supporting, we want you to feel welcome.”
ANZ Presents ‘King Kapisi live at the cricket’ performance dates:
Friday 25 November, BLACKCAPS v India ODI, Eden Park, Auckland
Friday 2 December, WHITE FERNS v Bangladesh ODI, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Saturday 25 February, BLACKCAPS v England Test Day 2, Basin Reserve Wellington
Name of Author: New Zealand Cricket
The New Zealand national cricket team, known as the Black Caps, made their Test debut in 1930 against England in Christchurch, becoming the fifth nation to play Test cricket. After waiting 26 years for their first Test win against the West Indies in 1956, they also played their first ODI in 1972–73 against Pakistan. New Zealand are the inaugural World Test Championship champions (2021) and have won the ICC Champions Trophy (2000). They have reached the Cricket World Cup final twice and the T20 World Cup final once.
