In 1961, a singer from the small Taranaki town of Manaia, Jay Epae, made a significant impact in Sweden with his chart-topping single largely sung in te reo Māori. However, his legacy remained largely overlooked in New Zealand until recently, as he is now being celebrated through the release of a compilation album titled “Jay Epae: The Collection.” This album aims to honor his substantial yet often forgotten contribution to the New Zealand pop music scene.
Born Nicholas Epae, Jay was the third of eight children in a family with a rich musical background. His father, Tuni Epae, was a well-respected performer in Taranaki during the 1920s and 1930s, recognized for his impressive tenor voice. Initially drawn to boxing, a wrist injury redirected Epae’s ambitions toward music.
At the age of 20, Epae moved to Sydney, quickly finding opportunities to perform in nightclubs. It was during this time that he met Leona, a dancer from the touring group Harlem Blackbirds, and they married soon thereafter. By late 1956, they had relocated to New York, where Leona starred in a major revue while Jay took on various jobs, including working in a restaurant.
Epae’s breakthrough came in 1960 when he was signed to Mercury Records and recorded “Putti Putti,” a version of a popular waiata by Māori songwriter Tuini Ngawai. Though the song had limited release in the United States and was not distributed in New Zealand, it became a hit in Sweden after a sound engineer at a pirate radio station discovered it. “Putti Putti” rose to number one in Sweden, staying on the charts for an impressive 44 weeks, and also gained popularity in Finland and Denmark.
Capitalizing on his newfound fame, Epae toured Scandinavia in 1961 alongside well-known performers. However, his fortune did not mirror his success in the U.S. After releasing a few more singles and experiencing a difficult marriage with Leona, he returned to New Zealand in 1966. He signed with local label Viking and penned “Tumblin’ Down,” a song that has become a classic, woven into the cultural fabric of New Zealand and often featured in celebrations.
Despite his musical achievements, Epae faced personal difficulties, particularly following his marriage breakdown. He briefly moved to Australia but struggled to regain his musical momentum, leading to a hiatus that lasted over two decades. In 1994, family members returned him to Wellington after his sister discovered his declining health. Unfortunately, health issues overshadowed a documentary opportunity offered by Swedish television to highlight Epae’s artistry. His last public appearance was at a family gathering before he passed away at the age of 61, a sorrowful conclusion for an artist who once shone so brightly.
The release of “Jay Epae: The Collection” seeks to reintroduce his complete body of work to the public, shining a light on the incredible journey of an artist integral to the development of New Zealand’s music scene. With his legacy now being revived, Epae’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the ability of music to tell stories and inspire future generations of artists. This resurgence not only pays tribute to his past but also offers hope and inspiration to aspiring musicians today.