Rappers want Helen Clark back
An Auckland-based rap duo, Bones, have released their controversial hit “Johnny Boy” this weekend, which calls for the
Prime Minister to step down.
T-Cha and Sophoenix, who rap in the band, posted the track on the group’s facebook page on Sunday night. The track,
Johnny Boy, highlights the erosion of the social welfare system, and the irony of a Prime Minister who is cutting social
services despite the fact that he and his family were heavily dependent on them growing up.
“It’s no secret that John Key grew up in a state house and that his solo mother was supported by the state,” said
Sophoenix. “He’s an example of what was possible in Aotearoa – a child could escape poverty and become Prime Minister.
However he is slashing social welfare support across the board meaning that people in his position simply won’t be able
to reach the great heights that he has.”
The group are also striving to achieve the illusive number one spot on 91ZM, with T-Cha saying simply: “to be number one
is my ultimate dream. And to be number one on 91ZM would make my life complete.” T-Cha, whose day job is a teacher, says
he sees a lot of social inequality in his day-to-day life and thinks the $26 million being spent on the referendum could
be used to reduce child poverty in Aotearoa.
Sophoenix insists they will make their dream a reality. “We both want this so much. We want as many people as possible
to listen to our track and engage with the message. We shouldn’t be spending $26 million on the new flag campaign when
children are going hungry to school. Look out 91ZM, ‘cause we are coming for you!”
The song highlights the failings of the government including: exploitation of coal and fossil fuels despite
international calls for stricter climate change regulation and divestment from the fossil fuel industries, the
“ponygate” scandal, the erosion of social welfare including the failure to increase the student allowance despite the
increase in inflation, poor quality state housing, and the struggle for day-to-day families who suffer under a working
environment prioritising zero-hour contracts and a minimum wage far below the living wage.
The track calls for the return of the social state championed by the Labour Party and Helen Clark.
Listen to the track at soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bonesnz/johnny-boy
For more information contact the band directly at https://www.facebook.com/bones.up.nz
ENDS