‘When one wins, we all win’: Entrepreneur champions next generation of Pacific creatives

A Pacific hip-hop entrepreneur is encouraging Pacific youth who are struggling to share their stories to join her innovative programmes.

Queen Shirl’e Academy (QSA) will launch the Future Sound Waves project next Wednesday, collaborating with 'Youth for Shore under Wayfinder'.

The programme will provide hands-on training in podcasting, public speaking, and media communications, aiming to help participants develop interview skills and upload episodes to Spotify.

Speaking to Carolanne Toetu’u on Pacific Days, Sāmoan artist Queen Shirl’e says this programme, which is “one of many”, particularly supports youth who have left school.

“I really wanted to focus on helping pathway some of these youth into further education, or possibly some galuega [work] in the broadcasting industry,” she says.

“Our young people, they've got stories, but [struggle] a little bit with speaking up about what they want to share.”

Another initiative, Bring the Noise, is an annual music programme that teaches songwriting, recording, and sound engineering. It is made possible through support from APRA and community tutors.

“This programme is dear to my heart because a lot of the guest tutors are my friends from the music industry, from the community.

“I'm so excited to say some of those friends of mine, like Shane Walker, my girl Petrina [Togi-Sa’ena’], who's from the Pacific Music Awards.

Watch Queen Shirl’e’s full interview below.

“Just a whole bunch of amazing artists who are doing it, who are active, and just loving what they do, and so us collaborating and getting those kinds of mentors in is really inspiring.

“It’s going to help empower our next generation of artists.”

Reflecting on her journey, Shirl’e believes investing in young creatives enriches the community.

“I'm learning so much for the youth. I'll teach them something, and they’ll find something new.

“I love it. This is why I'm in this space: because you've got to love what you do. I want to be able to help give back as well, so this is my way to pay it forward.

“It comes back as well. You might not get paid the first time, but the blessings do come in the end, and it's bigger than us.

“They say, ‘when one wins, we all win’, and wherever we go, we bring everybody with us.”

For more information or to register for these programmes, visit the Te Oro Music and Art Centre or check out Queen Shirl’e Academy’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.