Top 10 Pacific Island songs you need on your summer playlist in 2025

Summer is officially underway. This year's calendar has something for everyone - from sports, art, music, faith, and food to families and friends enjoying a fun day out and creating lasting memories.

Summer has finally arrived and with it comes the hunt for the perfect soundtrack.

Pacific artists have delivered some standout tracks this year, from fresh new voices to regional favourites.

As part of our PMN Summer Series for 2025, I’ve picked my top 10 songs that belong on every holiday playlist.

Liz Vamarasi - Rawai

This first one comes from the stunning island nation of Fiji and was actually recommended by a colleague of mine. Is he biased because he’s Fijian? Probably. But this feel-good track in Na Vosa vaka-Viti (Fijian language) blends afro-funk with Vamarasi’s smooth vocals. Composed by Jerome Tauleka and produced by Pakx from the iconic band, VT1S.

Island Vibes - Āfine Niue

A blazing funk‑reggae love letter to Niuean women. Āfine Niue pulses with groove and pride, celebrating the strength, legacy, and language carried through the generations. It’s warm and vibrant, and like the multi-ethnic Auckland-based band, it’s anchored in identity and fierce tenderness.

Bhadubwoe ft. Kihdken - Dokupo

From the Solomon Islands, this track checks in from Honiara. A unique blend of local rhythm with hints of Afrobeat. You don’t need to understand Pidgin because the urge to wine your body is too good to ignore. What makes this special is the Gualdalcanal dialect, a representation that the community is surely proud to have.

TheWesternGuide - Dive Bar

“I got a problem and it’s weighing on my mind”.

These lyrics live rent free in my head and I’m not mad about it. The done-it-all Auckland singer and actor has leaped head first into the country scene and he’s taking us all with him, especially since his special appearance on 7Days as the Slice of 7 Guest of the Season. This one is best played on the back of a ute, in your red-bands, with a cold one in hand.

Signature Choir - Reach the Sky

Mana Moana is without a doubt one of the most wholesome and unifying experiences through music for Pacific people. Following their two packed out shows at Auckland’s Spark Arena, a historic performance at Sydney’s Opera House, the collective is preparing to head to Melbourne in January 2026. Reach the Sky is their upbeat original song that’s perfect to start the day with.

Myshaan ft. Kali Tui - Carry My Heart/ Mositi Au

To be fair all the Pacific language reiterations of this Myshaan anthem is list-worthy, but this Vosa vaka-Viti version hits differently. The fact that we get a female perspective on the track gives such a rounded and complete story, it’s both heartbreaking and hopeful. Lyricism aside, the island rhythm is addictive, Myshaan’s smooth tone is unmatched, and is high up on the playlist.

Pacific Music Awards Trust - Hiva Folau Vaka

I know, I’m cheating the system by putting a whole album on the list. But when it comes to amplifying our Pacific languages, then we can surely make an exception here. This project features compilation works by music artists and language experts from across the Moana, with the first phase focussing on Vagahau Niue, Te Gagana Tokelau and Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani. It’s a “no-skip” album for sure.

Trixx - Swing By

Straight from the Kingdom of Tonga, Patrick Jesse Taukolo, aka Trixx, is an emerging young singer who is gaining attention for his covers. But with the help of his producer Malkeezy, he dropped his first single, and it’s got that island swing to it that makes you feel like sitting seaside under a tree, feeling the cool breeze.

LKT - VISIONDRIVIN

By day, Lydia Ko’osui Tegerobo is an international footballer for the Solomon Islands and by night, she’s a recording artist. Her debut track reflects her personal motto to stay focused, trust your purpose, and be driven towards your goals. It’s an island reggae/soul anthem for the believers, and she’s definitely one to watch.

Josh Tatofi - Date Night

Is it really a Pacific playlist without the king of Pacific soul? This RnB track has hints of that ‘90s nostalgia, but something about Tatofi’s suave sound sets this apart. It’s the perfect song to get ready to, for slow dancing under the stars, or blast through the speakers when you’re driving past the Christmas lights. It’s super romantic and definitely on repeat these summer nights.