Classic Cool Cornerstone Roots
From deep in the South Pacific, Cornerstone Roots pay respect to the colossal world of Jamaican reggae, while confidently bringing their own influences and uplifting messages to the mix.
This approach of classic cool and future consciousness has helped set the tone for reggae in Aotearoa New Zealand since 2001 when vocalist/guitarist Brian Ruawai and bass player and partner Naomi Tuao established Cornerstone Roots.
Based in Raglan/Whaingaroa in Waikato (NZ), they bring the power of Maori and Samoan culture with a deep knowledge for authentic roots music, dub and ska to the stage and studio.
Playing alongside the Cornerstone Roots founders, is the current line up, which features Brian Ruawai on Vocals/Guitar, Naomi Tuao on Bass, Aaron Bush on Percussion, Ashley Pirie on drums, and stepping up in their parent’s footsteps, 14 year old Reiki Ruawai on Vocals and 16 year old Kaea Ruawai on Keyboards/samples/Voclas
‘Is it Real’ featuring Reiki Ruawai was released in August 2013 and the next release features a version of ‘Is it real’ remixed by Dubmatix from Canada.
For the record, Cornerstone Roots has released three critically acclaimed albums, Soul Revolution, Free Yourself and Future Is Now, plus three EPs, One Fine Day, Forward Movement and Free Man.
In 2014 they played Glastonbury and Sziget Festivals with UK/European and Australian dates.
Live, Cornerstone Roots are in demand nationally and across Japan, Australia and Pacific Islands. They’ve also shared the stage and supported reggae greats Burning Spear, Lee Scratch Perry, Sly & Robbie, Toots and The Maytals, Jimmy Cliff and The Original Wailers.
