This weekend past, Auckland lost one of its greatest DJ's and personalities. The death of Soane Filitonga, has absolutely rocked the community. Very few peoples lives have been intertwined like Soane's and NZ dance culture
Tributes have come from all over the world for this truly great man who touched many over the 25 years he was a DJ, Producer & a doorman.
As a young impressionable 17 year old, Soane welcomed me into the club environment with open arms. Having been in love with House music for some time i was over joyed to see a Pacific brother at the forefront of what at that time seemed to be a very white community. Even to this day it's very rare to find people of Polynesian decent in the clubs let alone consuming, producing & playing dance music. This is somewhat perplexing to me but is probably the result of this myth that dance culture is a very European/German thing. I don't know bout you but the last time i looked around, there ain't nothing white bout Chicago or Detroit. I was looking forward to playing a few dates with Soane over summer this year and was honoured with the privilege to open for him recently in Queenstown. We offered up 7 hours of rare disco, boogie & house to an eager Sunday crowd. That was special for me Soane leaves behind a beautiful young daughter. Thank you for everything you did.