‘This is for everyone’: Celebrating Pacific artistry

“It means everything.”

That’s how Grammy nominated Polynesian musician Josh Tatofi reacted to being named the NiuFM Best International Pacific Artist award winner at the Pacific Music Awards last night.

The Hawaiian-born Tongan soul singer said his award is dedicated to future Pacific generations in hopes they fulfil their dreams and aspirations.

“When I was a child I wished that there were a lot of our people that came out and speak about working hard and going after it.

“Well, I’m here to tell the kids to work hard and go after it.”

With massive hits including Ouana, Why Worry, and Storms Never Last, Tatofi is a sell-out show everytime he performs in Aotearoa - including his encore PMAs celebration concert.

He says the drive behind his music is love, and wanting to spread a message that inspires kids to find their purpose.

“The thing about our Polynesian people is that we are so loving and we have a big heart and so I just want to make sure we broadcast that, and let the kids know you can be anything you want to be.

“This one’s for the kids because they’re our future. Without them we have no future so in order for a better future we need our kids to understand that they can go out, work hard, do what they need to do, become a star, a chef, doctor.

“Whatever it may be, go out and get after it, we’re behind you. Love you guys.”

Marking 20 years in style

As lightning sparked across the South Auckland horizon and roars of thunder bellowed in the background, hundreds packed into Manukau’s Dew Drops Centre to celebrate the PMAs 20th anniversary.

Tagata Pasifika presenting pair Malama T-Pole and John Pulu honoured fallen Pasifika heroes, among them the late Fa’anānā Efeso Collins. Along with a special video tribute to Pulu’s previous longtime PMA co-presenter Tofilau Yolande Ah Chong.

Among an evening of significant milestones, R&B artist Aaradhna was the big winner at the event, taking home both Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist and APRA Best Pacific Song awards for her soulful track She.

The song also nabbed the NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video, directed by Anahera Parata, who said she’s proud to honour the “graceful, beautiful, passive goddess” Aaradhna.

“She had recently lost her mother when we had filmed these visuals. And for me to encourage her to stand in her full power and mana as a wahine was really important to me.

“So her wielding a machete was a symbol of strength and overcoming adversity for me. And also just having her on a throne carried by her brothers and some mates we dialled in, that was also a super symbolic statement for me.

Music video director Anahera Parata.

“The entirety of the video was about highlighting her, not only for what she’s been through but what she’s overcome as a human and as an artist.”

Proud central Aucklander, Diggy Dupé, grabbed two awards, NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist and Matai Pacific Hip Hop Artist for his work on We The City.

Having received numerous nominations at past awards, Diggy says finally receiving recognition “feels real good”.

“I’ve always just been the person who’s just at the back of the race just trying to keep up, but we’re here now so I appreciate it.

“This is for everyone from where I’m from. For everyone that made it and is still making it, and participating in the culture. We’re f****** aliens in central and we gotta stand strong. This is for everyone that’s still there.”

Diggy Dupé.

The transcendent tones of the Signature Choir was awarded 531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist for their album Mana Moana, this being the group’s first award win from a first-time nomination.

Music Director Fepulea’i Helen Tupai says she’s at a loss for words.

“I’m still shaking,” she said following the announcement, “what a blessing it is to share our music in people’s homes and be representative of our people.”

Signature Choir Musical Co-directors Jadrah Tupai and Fepulea'i Helen Tupai.

Co-director Jadrah Tupai says this victory is a celebration of collaboration and identity.

“Even though we know that we’ve put our best foot forward in terms of this piece of work, I guess it’s just that extra piece of validation. Hopefully the hundreds of people that helped us to bring this project together feel that this win is as much theirs as it is ours.”

The powerhouse Sāmoan heavy metal band Shepherds Reign won the SunPix Best Pacific Language Award and Best Pacific Music Album for their album Ala Mai.

Haz Beats continues to make his mark as a music producer in-demand with receiving the MPG/SAE Best Producer trophy for his incredible skills on the Brunette EP by Haz & Miloux and Run It Back by Home Brew.

Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist went to Unity Pacific and their song Integrity, Shane Walker won the SunPix People’s Choice Award - Best Pacific Artist, and Jordan Gavet, whose song He Said earned the NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award.

Aaron Strickland, known as Astro who’s worked with American R&B singer Chris Brown, received the Arch Angel Independent Music Award, while Noa Records received the Creative New Zealand Award for their alternative and “experimental” contributions to the Pacific music scene.

Hip Hop collective SWIDT claimed the FLAVA Best Pacific Group for their hit tracks synonymous with summer, good vibes, and Onehunga pride - Youphoria feat. High Hoops, Burn One feat. Stallyano, Hocus Pocus, and Not 4 Sale.

The Philip Fuemana Award for Most Promising Pacific Artist was awarded to country music siblings Tiana and Sonny Miti who hope to entice more listeners to their smooth Sāmoan twist on country music.

In recognition of her enduring legacy, trailblazing Hip Hop icon and Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Teremoana Rapley, had the audience grooving to a medley of new songs from her eagerly awaited trilogy album Daughter of a Housegirl, Cleaning House and Daily Incantations.

And in a continuation of an evening of unapologetic and devoted Pacific music, and with support from the Pacific Music Awards Trust, Josh Tatofi carried on the 20th festivities by kicking off the New Zealand leg of his South Pacific Tour in Manukau on the subsequent night to the award ceremony.