Noa Records at the 2024 Pacific Music Awards at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland, on 29 August. Photo: Stijl / James Ensing-Trussell
The 2024 Pacific Music Awards (PMA) held last night in South Auckland's Manukau marked its 20th anniversary.
Pacific musicians as well as community leaders turned out to honour and acknowledge the talent and creativity within Aotearoa and across the globe.
The awards were created after the New Zealand Music Awards dropped the category for Best Pacific album in 2004.
Co-founder Petrina Togi-Sa'ena recalls its humble debut.
"A group got together to have some conversations then there was a discussion with Pasifika festival that potentially they could host us," she said.
"So it was like an interim before we found a home and a venue so it was really amazing so we were outside so the festival did an opening night concert in advance of the festival in the weekend so we were at the end of that evening."
Since then the PMAs have become one of the country's premier music events.
Winners at the 2024 Pacific Music Awards at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland, on 29 August. Photo: Stijl / James Ensing-Trussell
There are 20 categories, including the International Pacific Artist award won last night by Tongan musician Josh Tatofi.
The Hawaiian-raised singer who is currently on a Pacific tour and has sold out venues in New Zealand and across the region, told RNZ Pacific that despite becoming one of the most popular artists, it's crucial to stay grounded.
"Our Pacific people we're gems because we're from the south pacific we have its natural culture and humility and morale that we are naturally born with and I feel like that's something that people search for."
Josh Tatofi at the 2024 Pacific Music Awards at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland, on 29 August. Photo: Stijl / James Ensing-Trussell
Acknowledging the struggles in breaking into the music industry, Tatofi said aspiring artists should never feel intimidated.
"Don't be scared," he said
"If you're scared and you don't go after it then you'll never know. For me it's like you might as well shoot your shot, see what music does see where it goes."
Taking home the Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award was Teremoana Rapley, considered to be the 'first lady of New Zealand hip-hop'
With many industry accolades to her name, Rapley said there needs to be a 'shift' in the music industry.
"We, the musicians get turned into assets and products," she said.
"I've said it a few times, I am not an asset or a product. My music is me and everything that I do comes from the heart.
"I would love to see more of our musicians being able to speak out about what they want to see I spent six years within local government and learning the ropes around how we can have an influence in policies and regulations"
The big winner of the night was Pasifika heavy metal band Shepherds Reign, who got took away the Best Pacific Language award and Best Pacific Music Album
Band member and guitarist Gideon Voon said the event is an opportunity to promote Pacific musicians who are 'breaking the mould'
"I guess people consider us as the pioneers of Samoan metal - we're proud to claim that title," Voon said.
"It's important to have this platform to showcase to others who may not know [metal].
"For example, many of these people they haven't grown up with metal they haven't heard much metal but then this could even be the first time to be exposed to metal"
Aaron Strickland at the 2024 Pacific Music Awards at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland, on 29 August. Photo: Stijl / James Ensing-Trussell
Full list of winners
- Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist - Aaradhna 'She'
- NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist - Diggy Dupé 'We The City'
- Flava Best Pacific Group - SWIDT 'Youphoria feat High Hoops', 'Burn One Feat Stallyano', 'Hocus Pocus', 'Not 4 Sale'
- 531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist - Signature Choir Mana Moana
- Matai Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist - Diggy Dupé 'We The City'
- Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist - Sam V You Left Your Things Here (LP)
- Best Pacific Roots/Raggae Artist - Unity Pacific 'Integrity'
- Niu FM Best International Pacific Artist - Josh Tatofi 'Ouana', 'Why Worry', 'Storms Never Last', 'Fakateretere', 'I Jus Want Ya', 'I'm Gonna Love You', 'Tears On My Pillow'
- MPGNZ / SAE Creative Media Institute Producer - Haz Beats Brunette EP (Haz & Miloux) 'Run It Back' (Home Brew)
- NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video - Aaradhna 'She' Director: Anahera Parata
- APRA Best Pacific Song - Aaradhna 'She' Writer: Aaradhna Patel
- Sunpix Best Pacific Language - Shepherds Reign Ala Mai
- Record Music NZ Te Tino Pukaemi Moana Nui a Kiwa O Te Tau | Best Pacific Music Album - Shepherds Reign Ala Mai
- Sunpix People's Choice Award - Best Pacific Artist - Shane Walker
- NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award - Jordan Gavet 'He Said'
- NZ On air Streaming Award - Savage ft Aaradhna 'They Don't Know'
- Phillip Fuemana Award - Most Promising Pacific Artist - MITI
- Creative New Zealand Award - Noa Records
- Ministry of Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award - Teremoana Rapley
- Arch Angel Independent Music Award - Aaron Strickland - Astro