Classical On Cuba presents Orchestra Wellington with Ché-Fu and The Kratez Announced

One of Aotearoa's most legendary hip-hop / R&B / soul artists, Ché-Fu is combining his mighty talents with the seventy piece Orchestra Wellington and his own group The Kratez, playing a very special one-off live event at Te Whanganui-a-Tara's The Opera House. From breakout beginnings with Supergroove to his own consistently chart-topping, multi-platinum solo oeuvre, including such key classics as Navigator (2001), 2 B.S. Pacific (1998), Beneath the Radar (2005) and 1996's iconic collaboration with DLT 'Chains', Ché-Fu's innovative musical career has inspired multiple generations of local artists and listeners — even flexing his turntable skills on Karl Sölve Steven' latest album All of Human Emotion on Microfiche. Of Māori and Niuean heritage, you can learn more about the multi-award winning rapper / singer / producer via Gareth Shute's illuminating profile of Ché-Fu (aka Che Ness) for AudioCulture HERE.

Happening on 2nd August, this mid-winter musical extravaganza will be a night to remember — presented by Classical on Cuba with partners Venues Wellington (WellingtonNZ) and Orchestra Wellington, with support from Wellington City Council...

Classical on Cuba presents Orchestra Wellington with Ché-Fu and The Kratez
Friday 2nd August - The Opera House, Wellington
General tickets on sale HERE

Here's Ché-Fu's soulful 1998 number one hit 'Without a Doubt' from 2 B.S. Pacific...

Hit play on DLT and Ché-Fu's Aotearoa hip-hip classic 'Chains'...

Press release:

What do you get when you combine one of Aotearoa’s most successful hip-hop artists and a full 70-piece orchestra? A collaboration that will push boundaries and please audiences.

This is bound to be the grooviest collaboration of 2024. With tickets starting at $25, the organisers value making musical events more accessible, and more collaborative.

With the most top ten songs of any individual in New Zealand music history, Che-fu is one of the country’s most successful and beloved recording artists. Originally coming to the attention of Aotearoa NZ in the early 90's as one of the original members of iconic Kiwi rock band Supergroove, Che went on to forge a career as a solo-artist writing and recording hip hop/ soul chart topping songs such as "Chains" and "Misty Frequencies", and platinum selling albums such as "2b S. Pacific" and "The Navigator". He is also a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

This collaboration has come about through the work of music festival, Classical on Cuba, under the umbrella of Creative Capital Arts Trust. The kaupapa delights in offering unique twists on the classical music genre. It continues to attract diverse audiences to classical music and redefine the traditional concert hall experience.

Recently, Che-Fu and The Kratez performed at The Great Hall alongside the Auckland Philharmonia for their Matariki evening. Wellington audiences will not want to miss this contemporary mix infused with spirit and heart. We are delighted to bring Classical on Cuba back to the Capital alongside our partners Venues Wellington (WellingtonNZ) and Orchestra Wellington thanks to the support of Wellington City Council.