28 Jun 2018

Group considers taking action against Poi E video

11:39 am on 28 June 2018

The iconic Māori song, Poi E, which hit number one on the New Zealand charts in 1984 made an unexpected debut last weekend at one of the biggest entertainment award shows in the world.

Poi E

The Patea Māori Club is celebrated alongside Dalvanius Prime and the song in 'Poi E' Photo: SUPPLIED

The BET Awards, which gave honours this year to artists like Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar, used the song by Patea Māori Club in a promotional video for the television show Hit the Floor.

The provocative promo video shows the young actor, Teyana Taylor, dancing to the song in a two piece outfit.

Patea Māori Club's chair Laura Maruera said the group had no idea the show had used its song in the promotional clip.

"I don't think it's great, I think it's an embarrassment for our club, how it was shown and what was shown."

"The majority have seen it and they're not happy about it."

The club was currently considering taking action against the show, she said.

"We are seeking for information to see what we could do next about it."

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