Dean Hapeta, a.k.a. Te Kupu (The Word) is a composer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, music & video producer. He penned, and then in 1988 released, E Tū, the first rap 12” record in Aotearoa, with the group he continues to lead to this day, UHP / Upper Hutt Posse, who released their eighth album in 2022, titled Hau. Hosting Te Kupu Nā Te Kupu on Te Reo Irirangi o Te Ūpoko o Te Ika since September 16, 2016, having initiated and hosted the program for a few months in 1998. Acknowledged as an artist of conscience. Inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame / Te Whare Taonga Puoro o Aotearoa in 2018.

 

Now completing a Three-Volume Autobiography that revolves around Ngātahi – KnowTheLinks, a six-part rapumentary that he made single-handed, completed in 2012, which took him to twenty-three countries, capturing arts and activism amongst Native and marginalized people.