Three Houses Down, a New Zealand roots reggae band have brought their "Keep Your Culture" tour to join Tonga's Heilala Festival, with a free concert at the Block Party tonight, July 16.

The 10- member male band arrived in Nuku'alofa on July 14, is made up of eight Tongans and Samoans. They are Robert Pome'e, Ben Tapueluelu, Sione Pome'e, Saia Manu, Lisiate Langi, Charlie Pome'e, Liva Tapueluelu, Josh Iopu, Tonga Vaea and Matt Auva'a.

The talented performers said on July 15, their tour began in New Zealand and now comes to Tonga with the important message of keeping connected to one's identity, culture and tradition.

Robert Pome'e said as proud Tongans and Polynesians they were very happy to be back home and to perform to the local crowd during the Block Party where they would give Tonga the best show.

The band would also be doing private gigs and visiting High Schools as well as partnering with 88.6Fm Radio Nuku'alofa in youth initiative programs.

Formed out of Otara, South Auckland in 2004 with five members, the band has not only grown in members but has also released two albums. The debut album 'Dreadtown' was released in 2007 followed by 'Break Out' released in November 2009.

Their unique reggae fusion recently saw them take home two top awards at the 2010 New Zealand S3 Pacific Music Awards.

They won the popular Tui for the S3 Best Pacific Music Album 'Break out' and the APRA Best Pacific Song Award for their single 'Kanikapila'.