Watusi’s 1000 columns and counting!

He’s hit a milestone not many music columnists in Aotearoa will achieve. Yes, 1000 Winston Watusi columns have been printed in e Weekend Sun during his 20-plus year commitment to providing our readers with music and entertainment news. And he’s done it all anonymously! is week, we talk to Winston about his columns, experiences and love of local music and culture. How did it begin? “When Brian and Claire Rogers rst set up e Sun they approached me: in the beginning, I used to write a movie column, a music column and a few other things as well.” Music aside, lms have also been one of Watusi’s abiding obsessions.

“In those early years when video shops were at their peak things like lm reviews were useful!”

Shine a light

But the main aim at the start – before Facebooks, Twitters or Instragrams –was to shine a light on local music.

“It’s important because being in Tauranga you’re out of the national spotlight, so local bands and music didn’t get a lot of illumination.”

He’s 1000 music columns deep and he’s still entertaining us anonymously!

Watusi believes the column still holds true to this aim today.

“ ere’s a massive amount of music here that’s under-reported. ere’s a really vibrant music scene in Tauranga but one of the problems with social media is it’s very split up.

“Still the most regular thing I hear is that people read the column to nd things going on that they don’t know about.”

Perks and downsides e job has seen Watusi hobnob with the whole spectrum of NZ music – from best in the business to the unknowns – including “some interesting characters”. ere’s been some fun along the way: “One time I remember getting kicked out of a hotel in town thanks to well-known Kiwi songwriter. He misbehaved in one of the rooms and it turned out a new policeman had been posted down to Tauranga and was boarded in the room next door.

“We were all ejected from the hotel.”

Stand-out columns? “Not wanting to seem morbid, but I’ve come to dread obituaries –because if it’s a local musician I probably know them. When I worked in the o ce I came in one morning and was told a friend had died and they need an obituary in 20 minutes. at was hard.”

He most enjoys writing about the successes of local people.

“Most recently it would be things like L.A.B and Joel Shadbolt, or Grant Haua – the Tauranga bluesman signed last year by a French label.

“Or Brilleaux touring the UK and Europe.”

Watching the jazz festival grow into an iconic event is also a highlight. “ e jazz festival has been incredible. I remember it rst moving downtown and a guy who went down saying he’d been ‘struck by an outbreak of community’.

“ at was just the best expression – because that’s what it has become. It’s turned into an event that brings everyone together in a way you’d never have imagined.”

What’s the secret?

So what is Watusi’s secret to writing a fresh, innovative, happening music and entertainment column every week for more than 20 years – and successfully keeping readers loyal?

“I think you have to keep interested – it sounds strange but I feel often what I write about is like catching up with a friend and telling them about all the interesting you’ve come across recently... that’s how I feel about the column.

“ ere’s so many interesting things out there – I’m just sharing what I nd and I’m constantly relieved other people nd it interesting too!”

What’s better than performing for your mum in the living room? Playing to the cheers of the home crowd.