Raggamuffin: Special welcome third time round | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

It's their third time in Rotorua but the first time they have been welcomed with a powhiri.

Arrested Development, one of the headline acts for this weekend's Raggamuffin festival, arrived in Rotorua last night to a welcome performed by members of Te Arawa hapu Tuhourangi-Ngati Wahiao.

Arrested Development formed in Atlanta in the early 1990s, has had a number of hits and has won two Grammy Awards.

Lead singer Speech said the welcome was awesome. "As an African American we don't have this kind of thing. It's so moving and inspirational to see people so connected to their ancestors."

Kaitataki tane (male group leader) Chadwick Manga said it was a privilege to welcome the group.

"We welcome them to our place and take them in as family. It's an honour to be able to show them some of our culture and uphold our mana."

Arrested Development will headline tonight's Raggamuffin pre-party at the Rotorua International Stadium.