Tangi for humble reggae legend at Raetihi Marae

Isaiah (left) and Te Omeka Perkins are at Raetihi's Te Puke Marae for their dad Carl Perkins' tangi. Photo / Bevan Conley

A man visiting Raetihi Marae to farewell reggae musician Carl Perkins brought his saxophone and played some heartfelt tunes for his friend.

"You have been around the world. Your name is high in the sky. I'm just a little koroua at home. Can't wait to join you, bro," Kori Hemi said.

He finished his speech with some music, and a "catch you up, bro".

Perkins has been called a true pioneer and champion of reggae music. In the early 1980s he played with the band Herbs, which toured with The Wailers after Bob Marley died.

In the mid 2000s he and sons Te Omeka and Isaiah, with others, formed the Polynesian reggae band House of Shem. It released three albums, played to huge crowds at festivals and toured the world.

Perkins was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February last year and died on May 9. Son Isaiah said he stayed positive until the end.

"The tour is going to be good," were his last words.

His casket was in the wharenui at 49 Raetihi-Ohakune Rd on Friday, with family watching over him.

Big crowds are expected there today, and all are welcome. A Ratana band is expected to play.

He will be buried at Raetihi Lawn Cemetery, his wife's home and the town where he grew up.

Perkins was "the most humble, giving, kind hearted person", son Isaiah said.

"He would see someone on the side of the road and see if they're okay, give them a ride, give them money for gas."

The musician wanted his music to inspire and saw a vision to lift the band to the next level.

"We will probably just continue on. Now we have just got to try and heal and see where we're going," son Te Omeka said.