Che Fu and son Loxmyn take Navigator on the road for 25th anniversary

Che Fu, a pioneering figure in New Zealand’s hip-hop scene, is set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his acclaimed album Navigator with a nationwide tour this October. Marking a significant milestone, the tour gains a unique family dimension with the inclusion of his son, Loxmyn McDonald-Ness, joining the lineup as a featured musician.

The legacy of Navigator is one that resonates deeply within New Zealand music, having achieved triple-platinum status since its release in 2001. This milestone tour will not only revisit the album’s influential tracks but will also showcase collaborations with prominent local artists such as Aaradhna, Betty-Anne, and King Kapisi, blending classic hits with contemporary sounds.

Loxmyn, now in his late 20s and a skilled jazz musician, has grown up immersed in music yet only recently started to carve out his own path within the industry. His early exposure to performance came at a young age when he played harmonica solo at a major stadium event, an experience that revealed his natural stage presence and passion for music. Today, he brings his expertise on saxophone and horn arrangements to his father’s ensemble, The Kratez, enriching the live reinterpretation of Navigator with his jazz influences.

The father-son dynamic adds a compelling narrative to the tour, symbolizing both continuity and evolution within New Zealand’s music heritage. Che Fu reflects on the shared experience as a joyful extension of their relationship, emphasizing the absence of any preferential treatment and the respect for Loxmyn’s independent musical contributions.

Beyond the music, the tour evokes personal history, notably through the iconic album cover featuring a young Loxmyn in a baby carrier on his father’s back. This image, emblematic of their intertwined lives, captures a moment frozen in time that now gains renewed meaning as they perform the album together decades later.

Che Fu’s background is steeped in activism and cultural significance. Raised amidst the influences of his parents—who were involved in the Polynesian Panthers and Māori land rights movements—Che Fu’s upbringing was shaped by social consciousness and resilience. These elements have informed his artistry and approach to family, where he strives to provide a stable and nurturing environment for his children, contrasting with his own childhood experiences.

Loxmyn expresses admiration for his father’s artistic vision and determination, qualities that have inspired his own creative journey. Their shared interests extend beyond music, encompassing hobbies such as gaming and sports, highlighting a multifaceted bond that extends into their professional collaboration.

The upcoming tour will commence on October 7 at Auckland’s Civic Theatre, a venue befitting the album’s cultural stature. While the performances will celebrate Navigator’s enduring impact, they will also integrate other works from the featured artists, offering audiences a diverse and dynamic concert experience.

As father and son prepare to take the stage, their partnership exemplifies the evolving nature of musical legacy in Aotearoa. The blending of generations through shared artistry underscores the ongoing vitality of New Zealand’s creative community, honoring past achievements while embracing new expressions.

For further details and ticket information, the official tour website eccles.co.nz provides updates as the event approaches. The collaboration between Che Fu and Loxmyn promises a memorable celebration of one of New Zealand’s seminal albums, bridging history and contemporary artistry in a powerful live experience.