Herbs, a New Zealand reggae group founded in 1979 and led by singer-guitarist Dilworth Karaka, began their musical journey with an ethnically diverse lineup. Their debut EP What's Be Happen? (1981) set a standard for Pacific reggae. The band gained significant traction in the 1980s and early 1990s with hits like "Jah's Son" (1982), "Meteli" (1983), and "On My Mind" (1985). Herbs' political stance was evident in songs like "French Letter" (1982) and "No Nukes (Second Letter to France)" (1988), which addressed nuclear issues. In 1986, "Slice of Heaven" featuring Dave Dobbyn reached Number 1 in the New Zealand and Australian charts. Other releases include albums Light of the Pacific (1983), Long Ago (1984) and Sensitive to a Smile (1987). Dilworth Karaka, the primary founding member who remained with the band since its inception, died in March 7, 2026, aged 75.
