PMN's Summer Series: Welcome back - Avondale rapper makes inspirational return to old school

Welcome to PMN's Summer Series, where we republish some of our best and most popular stories from the last 12 months - in largely their original form.

Students at Avondale Intermediate had a familiar visit from a local artist this New Zealand Music Month.

Rapper Melodownz, who is a former Avondale Intermediate student, visited the school on Friday during their choir practice. The choir has featured in two of his music tracks ​Pray for More ​and ​​That Love which are in his latest album ​Lone Wolf.

​He says being able to give back to his old school has ticked off a long term goal.

"It's like a full circle moment for me being in the choir, then getting them on to my tracks," he says.

"It's always been a dream to give back to the community, or wherever I can contribute inspiration."

Avondale Intermediate has become a hot spot for local artists during NZ Music Month over the past 11 years.

Music teacher Grace Ikenasio has invited many local New Zealand artists in her years of teaching, which she says helps highlight the capabilities of local talent.

"NZ Music Month is always special because we try to heighten their awareness around musicians that are home grown, and expose them from as many local musicians.

"We try to get as much NZ artists in here as we can."

Ikenasio says having Melodownz at the latest NZ Music Month celebration at Avondale exemplifies the talent that comes through the school.

"We've invited many guests over the 11 years I've been here, but to have someone who is so local to us just makes the event much more special for us," she says.

"It's a huge deal and it's pretty inspirational to see - he holds great power and influence especially with these young kids. It's pretty special to have him come back and visit us on many occasions.

Ikenasio adds that having these guest appearances during NZ Music Month hopefully sparks inspiration in the eyes of the students.

"There's so many up-and-coming singers/songwriters in this school, and to witness someone who was a living testimony in the music field is pretty epic.

"I think the growth will just continue - they could definitely make for themselves what Melo has done."