Ali Campbell performs at UB40’s Rotorua Village Green concert this year. Photo / Stephen Parker
UB40 lead singer Ali Campbell claims racist views were the reason he quit New Zealand’s Got Talent.
TVNZ has rejected the claims.
The reggae performer, in New Zealand for a tour in the new year, was a judge on the TVNZ 1 talent show in 2012 for one season.
He said he was disappointed when Maori male group JGeek and the Geeks only came fourth.
“I was very confused about that. I found out later, the assistant producer said ‘Had we been on a different channel, then a brown person could’ve won’. That’s when I decided I wouldn’t be doing that again.”
From left, Jason Kerrison, Rachel Hunter and Ali Campbell were the judges for the first season of New Zealand’s Got Talent. Photo / Supplied
Campbell says now he shouldn’t have done the reality show in the first place.
“I didn’t realise until I did it that it’s about the hour’s entertainment. I took the finding talent stuff seriously.”
TVNZ rejected any claims of racism from behind the scenes or the audience, highlighting the show was fronted by Maori broadcaster Tamati Coffey, and that the judges put forward the best acts – from all walks of life and backgrounds – to the finals. The winner was chosen by New Zealand viewers.
“The reality is, he was never in the frame for a return to the New Zealand’s Got Talent judging panel,” the broadcaster said, because the producers wanted to “refresh” the lineup for the 2013 season.
Campbell is in New Zealand alongside band members Mickey Virtue and Astro for four shows at the start of January, including a New Year’s Eve concert in Taupo.
The band says the reason they keep coming back is simple: because they do so well here.
