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Herbs
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Herbs

Herbs are a New Zealand reggae group founded in 1978. Since its foundation Herbs has been multi-ethnic in membership and featured Samoans, Tongans, Cook Islanders, New Zealand Europeans and Māori members. Herbs was led by singer-guitarist Dilworth Karaka, the main founding member who remained with the band since its inception, until his death in March 2026.

The 11th inductees into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame, were once described as "New Zealand's most soulful, heartfelt and consistent contemporary musical voice". It has been said their debut EP What's Be Happen? "set a standard for Pacific reggae which has arguably never been surpassed".

Politics

The band has always been political, with links to the Polynesian Panthers and the cover of What's Be Happen (released during the 1981 Springbok tour) being an aerial photo of police action at Bastion Point in 1978. As well as race relations, the band took a strong stance on nuclear weapons in the Pacific with "French Letter".

History

Herbs produced a stream of reggae hits with some of the country's top talent. In the 1980s and the first half of the '90s, Herbs had 10 top 20 singles hits. Herbs also worked alongside UB40,...

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Reggae

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From the archive

Career timeline

Stories about Herbs from the JamaicansMusic archive, oldest first · 2012

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  1. 2012

    Culture

    Jamaican Style Steamed Fish with Crackers

    Steamed fish with crackers is a truly traditional ground roots Jamaican meal. As an island nation, Jamaican cuisine features an abundance of seafood favourites, but this recipe is at the top of most lists. The spicy dish features fresh provisions and a plethora of herbs and seasonings, simmering down to a savoury sauce that is not only delicious, but rumoured to enhance the libido.

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