Dalvanius Prime on Musical Chairs

Dalvanius Maui Prime was a New Zealand music phenomenon. After emerging from Taranaki with his sisters as Dalvanius and the Fascinations in the early 70s, he was rarely out of the limelight. He was a soul singing star in Australia and Asia, producer of Prince Tui Teka, creator of ‘Maoris on 45’ and the Patea Maori Club’s ‘Poi E’ sensation which evolved into a musical, and the story of the song is now a film.

At times he seemed to be the hardest working man in New Zealand show-business, a performer, composer, impresario, strategist, politician, teacher and entrepreneur all wrapped in to one. Dalvanius died in October 2002.

In this Musical Chairs programme from 2000, Dalvanius Maui Prime tells Chris Bourke – and sings – about his life in music.

Dalvanius Maui Prime was a New Zealand music phenomenon. After emerging from Taranaki with his sisters as Dalvanius and the Fascinations in the early 70s, he was rarely out of the limelight. He was a soul singing star in Australia and Asia, producer of Prince Tui Teka, creator of ‘Maoris on 45’ and the Patea Maori Club’s ‘Poi E’ sensation which evolved into a musical, and the story of the song is now a film.

At times he seemed to be the hardest working man in New Zealand show-business, a performer, composer, impresario, strategist, politician, teacher and entrepreneur all wrapped in to one. Dalvanius died in October 2002.

In this Musical Chairs program from 2000, Dalvanius Maui Prime tells Chris Bourke – and sings – about his life in music.

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Photo Murray Cammick