Story: Arts and social engagement

'French letter' (4th of 4)

The New Zealand reggae group Herbs released the song 'French letter' in 1982 in protest against French nuclear testing in the South Pacific. It became a popular hit and a protest anthem. When France briefly resumed testing in 1995, the band re-released the track. This clip shows the group performing the new version.

Using this item

NZ On Screen

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Ben Schrader, 'Arts and social engagement - Criticising society', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/45291/french-letter (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Ben Schrader, published 22 Oct 2014