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HomeNewsArts & CultureArtist making Pukekohe proud

Artist making Pukekohe proud

Times Team
By Times Team
December 24, 2025
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Jah Branks: Going from busker to professional artist. Photo Pukekohe Business Association

Jah Branks aka Selwyn Marsh has come a long way in the Pukekohe music world, and hopes to inspire others.

Born autistic, and with partial vision in his left eye this future Maori-Cook Island artist, was raised into music from a young age where it became an outlet to express himself.

“Growing up with autism, in a society that judges you on your race, or your culture … I was over being afraid of who I was and wanted to hopefully one day show our youth that they can do anything even if they are coping with disabilities,” Marsh said.

Starting as a busker in 2016 he eventually used his talents to perform at shows like the
Franklin Music Nights at the Franklin Arts Centre in 2023, alongside other local artists like Bridget Nissen and Aro.

Inspiration for his music usually comes from his mother, aunt and late uncle, who himself was a busker, he is also a huge fan of the late American rapper Eazy-E, Bob Marley, Ray Charlies, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson.

Right now, Marsh is fundraising to make enough money to get into a recording studio to
record an album and would like to thank the people of Pukekohe who have supported him.

“I’d just like to say to people, reach for the stars, the stars the limit and never doubt yourself, never look back and never doubt yourself, and keep moving forward.

“You are able, not just a label, and disability is only a condition and will never define your ability.

“Jah Rastafari one love unity.”

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