A Voice for Cultural Integrity and Justice

ManaTapu is a cultural and musical project founded by Jorge Bo Smid, embodying the Māori concept of "Mana"—representing strength, respect, and authority. The movement stands for equality and justice, much like the Māori fought for their rights in the face of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840. Jorge's dismissal from the band in 2019 reflects a similar deprivation of rights, where his intellectual and creative ownership was disregarded, much like the historical injustice faced by the Māori. This contradiction highlights the failure to address issues "kanohi ki te kanohi" (face-to-face) and recognize mutual respect.