Ema I’u (aka Ema Barton) embraces her Polynesian blood for this quality message to us all regarding the damage we’re doing to our Mother Earth. Samoan Ema has provided us with an exquisite blend of Pasifika hip-hop and R & B, Flower Of Life.

I’m enchanted with the backing vocals, which run throughout the song, and really anchor the almost Nesian Mystik feel of the instrumentation. Some rootsy rhythm, a deeeeeep bass, and some great Nile Rodgers influenced rhythm guitar, all pull along a powerful voice singing about the survival of the world and feeling the need of the Mother for us to pull back from the edge.

With a compelling video set in a near-future dystopia wherein Climate Change has sped up and Aotearoa is all that’s left, an escaped prisoner leads the way to finding the means of salvation for the survivors. Watch it – it’s a good reminder of what we have in store, in more ways than just the waters rising.

I love Samoa. I’ve been three times, and seen pretty much most of both main islands, Upolu and Savai’i. This music rings loud in my ears of those beautiful paradise islands, and it makes me sad and angry to think that such things as climate change could leave them underwater.

A bittersweet melody underpins this song, and it suits. With its highly visual and thought-provoking video, I suggest a lot of people in a lot of organisations in a lot of different fields need to be asking for performance and broadcasting licences for this song. This is a great track – but it’s also one carrying a powerful message. And the video contains many visual warnings and predictions.

We’re in serious times. Listen to Ema I’u and her wisdom. She’s channeling this from all our ancestors. This can be enjoyed in quiet times, at the barbie, at a party, in the car. It’s awesome R & B and Pasifika hip-hop, sung with an emotive, powerful vocal. Enjoy – but hear.