It was all faith, funk, and female fire at the 21st Pacific Music Awards

Music has a way of uniting even the most unlikely of strangers, turning silence into connection when artists create.

The 2025 Pacific Music Awards (PMA) brought harmony, rhythm, and soul to life as it celebrated its 21st anniversary at the Manukau Due Drops Events Centre on Thursday night.

The event showcased musical storytellers who shared the heartbeat of their cultures on stage.

Astro, who won the Best Producer award alongside Edy Liu and Sam V, expressed the joy of collaboration.“There’s nothing like making music with your friends, and we’re all on the same vibe.”

The Sāmoan-Cook Islander is a Grammy award-winning producer for his work on Chris Brown’s album 11:11!. But he says it is the homegrown aspect of his work on Sam V’s tracks 90’s Fine and Rolling Your Eyes that sets apart his PMA recognition.

“To share that music and for it to be reciprocated and taken this way is the best…winning alongside your friends makes it more special.”

Sam V celebrates his award, but says the recognition for his colleagues Astro and Liu is long overdue.

“I’m just getting into my vocal production bag, I think it’s more so assisting artists. These guys are the real producers, I’m just like a proxy,” Sam says, gesturing to Liu, “I think this guy is viciously overdue on one of these awards.”

Liu, known as EDYONTHEBEAT, is an independent mixing master and engineer who frequently works with Pacific artists such as The Western Guide, Talia Perese, Myshaan, Elena, and Hales.

Liu says the recognition proves the value of independent sucess. “If you can make it on your own, you can make it anywhere.”

Extending his reign with a fourth straight win as Best Soul/RnB Artist, Sam V says he has no plans to slow down.

“It’s the only one I really have an attachment to. It’s the one I’m nervous about, it’s the one I care about. I feel deeply that I want to represent RnB in Aotearoa and in the Pacific space, so to get the nod from my peers and the Pacific Music Awards annually is a privilege I don’t take lightly and I also don’t intend on giving it up anytime soon.”

The 531pi Best Gospel Artist winner, Brotherhood Musiq, speak about the importance of staying true to their purpose.

Since making the switch from worldly song covers to worship music, the band has felt more confident in their direction.

“It’s a blessing but most importantly understanding that awards are nice, but the gospel is important. For us, knowing that Jesus is at the centre of it all is the important part,” band member Junior Tuiloma says.

Brotherhood Musiq with 531pi radio host Kalo Toetu'u. Photo/PMN

Brothers AJ and Harry Pualau credit their family as a steadfast source of support.

“Our kids as well, for that sacrifice of time where we’re able to go out and record and do music and they’re still at home backing us,” Harry says.

Tuiloma reflects on the encouragement he received from his music mentors. “Just continue to practise, invest in your craft, never give up, and stay persistent.”

South West Sydney rap group The 046 is on tour and their uncle accepted the Niu FM Best International Pacific Artist award on their behalf.

“The road to get here…without the opportunity that was given to the boys, we wouldn’t be here. Just thank you to everybody who listens to their music,” their uncle says.

The 046 Collective comes from the public housing suburb of Claymore, where brothers Kymza and Ronza grew up with their best mate Jizza, listening to America’s West Coast greats like Warren G, Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and Tupac.

Those vibes shaped their sound, allowing them to carve out their lane with “Aus Funk” in the Australian hip-hop scene - having collaborated with other Australian rappers, such as Lisi, a previous PMA International Artists category winner.

Working independently, The 046 have raked in tens of millions of Spotify streams, and their music video for RUNNIN’ GAME has garnered 6.9 million views on YouTube.

The 046 is back in Aotearoa this October, and following the success of their last shows, they are expected to sell out again.

Carrying the pride of Porirua Anastasia, Rosetta, and T-R3X, who make up A.R.T, say winning the FLAVA Best Pacific Group award is an honour, and the all-girl group dedicated it to their home, creative team, and parents.

“We did not expect this. Thank you to our parents. They always gave us strict times to come home, and we never came home at that time. But look mum and dad, this is why,” Anastasia joked.

Gaby Solomona, Niu FM's The Morning Shack host and co-MC for the 2025 Pacific Music Awards. Photo/PMN

As one of the four female acts recognised across the 11 PMA categories, A.R.T is rapidly becoming one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s hottest girl bands.

Inspired by Pacific female artists like Ma-V-Elle, Pacific Soul, and Aaradhna, Rosetta says, “Looking up to them, I hope that we can someday be that light for any other girls out there from a small city.”

A.R.T is committed to perfecting a sound that is uniquely its own.