NZ Music Month: Pacific artists shaping the sound of Aotearoa

May is New Zealand Music Month, a time to celebrate the sounds that define Aotearoa. And Pacific artists continue to sit at the heart of that story.

From reggae legends to country stars and global theatre performers, Pasifika musicians are shaping the country’s musical identity in powerful and personal ways.

Five artists reflect on faith, family, and the journey behind the music.

Tigilau Ness - The living legend

Reggae icon Tigilau Ness says Music Month is more than a celebration, it is a moment to reflect on identity and unity.

For him, music carries deep meaning beyond the stage.

“I’m so grateful that the government as well as the community of Aotearoa New Zealand have accepted and recognised Music Month,” Ness tells Pacific Days. “It’s an important part of our lives where we can celebrate the uniqueness of this country and the people of this country.

“God is the first power, music is the second power. Celebrate music as much as you can, while you can.”

The Western Guide - A possible first in country music

With his hit Dive Bar, The Western Guide has been nominated for the APRA AMCOS 2026 Best Country Song at the Country Music Honours.

He is up against major names like Tami Neilson and Neil Finn, and could become the first-ever Pacific artist ever nominated in the category.

“I doubt it,” The Western Guide says on The Morning Shack’s podcast. “It’s Aotearoa, there’s no way that I’m the first. If I am then that’s sick.”

Ezrah Williams (RAZÉ) - Keeping the faith

Performing in Sydney’s The Lion King at the Capitol Theatre, powerhouse Ezrah ‘RAZÉ’ Williams is also connecting through new gospel music.

RAZÉ says her new gospel track, Your Plan, is a beautiful reminder of divine timing, hope, and leaving things in God’s hands.

“I would like them [listeners] to feel encouraged and to know that there’s hope out there,” she tells Pacific Days.

“‘Coz I feel like a lot of us lose hope. I want them to feel uplifted, that they’re not alone, and they’re not going through this by themselves.

“You don't have to have everything together. Sometimes we just can’t have control over everything, but if you give Your Plans to Him, he can turn things around.”

Annie Grace - An ode to the ‘super heroes’

Award-winning Sāmoan artist Annie Grace is back with, Oh Mama, a funky, upbeat Pacific reggae tribute honouring mothers.

She reflects on how her mother supported her journey from childhood.

“I saw mum work two to three jobs,” Grace tells Pacific Days. “My vocal lessons were like $100 an hour back then, that was so expensive and that was in the ‘90s.

“My mum did everything she could to nurture [that]...she made sure that I knew my Gagana (language), that I could speak and sing in Sāmoan which is very important to my mum, my family, and myself.”

Hamo Dell - Finding balance

With over a decade in the industry, Hamo Dell has gone from being the frontwoman of reggae band Tomorrow People to a powerhouse solo creator.

Having redefined her sound “on her own terms”, Dell offers crucial advice to the next generation about balancing creativity with industry realities.

“There comes a point in your career where it's not all about just being creative," she tells Pacific Days.

"Recognising early on whether you want to be someone who is a creative artist or part of the business side, because it’s actually really important.

“It’s a pretty complex industry, there’s all these things everywhere that you gotta juggle around, but, just do what makes you happy."

These artists show that Pacific music in Aotearoa New Zealand is not just a genre, it is a living part of the country’s identity.

Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa | NZ Music Month wraps on 31 May with the Aotearoa Music Awards taking place on 28 May at Auckland’s Civic Theatre.