Tomorrow People and General Fiyah Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
The events centre in Manukau, South Auckland, was filled with cheers, music and exception talent on Thursday night, as the Pacific music community was treated to a range of performances, from the angelic voice of 12-year-old General Fiyah, to legendary Samoan family band Punialava'a.
The artists at the 2018 Pacific Music Awards were from a diverse background: Sam Kiles, Niue Youth Network, Three Houses Down, and Razè were among many to take to the stage in front of an enthusiastic and vocal crowd.
The award winning Samoan signer-songwriter and rapper, Ladi6, and her team were the big winners, taking three awards including Best Female Artist, Best Producer and Album of the Year.
She said the sense of camaraderie at the awards was valuable for all Pacific artists.
"We have so many great artists. We do actually need our own awards to acknowledge that."
Ladi 6 was named best pacific female artist at the Vodafone Pacific Music Awards. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
She also said the awards showcased just how diverse the Pacific music scene was.
"I think the acknowledgement of a girl like me, who makes the type of music that I do in particular, I think is especially important for other little weirdoes who trying to making little blip-blop music that can't quite be pigeon-holed into one specific area, that we have a space, and we're Samoan too, and we have to be very proud of our background."
12-year-old sensation General Fiyah who won the People's Choice Award, and Best Song at the 2018 Pacific Music Awards Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
General Fiyah, 12, said he was lost for words after nabbing two awards: Best Song and the highly-coveted People's Choice award.
"It's just a great feeling, I don't really know what to say right now."
Tongan-New Zealand musician Noah Slee, who won Best Male Artist and Best Urban artist, said the Pacific sound was unique and that he's proud to be one of the artists who is pushing it forward.
"When I speak to friends of mine, or whoever it's hard to pinpoint what Pacific music sounds like, you know music from New Zealand. So it's nice to be part of a generation that's giving it a face… and hopefully something people can run with."
Tana Tupai of reggae group Tomorrow People, who won awards for Best Pacific Group and the Best Pacific Language song for 'Sa'ili Le Alofa', said the band has plans to write more songs in Samoan.
"Ever since we just dabbled into just writing that first song in those languages, that actually got us excited about wanting to explore it more. And just celebrating the cultures within the group."
Listen to RNZ Music's coverage of the Pacific Music Awards, from Music 101
Samoan rapper, Poetik, who won the Most Promising Pacific Artist award, encouraged young Pacific artists to use their unique heritage in their music.
"I'd say there's never been a better time to be yourself in this industry. So hustle hard, work hard at it, chase you dreams and be yourself, you don't need to be anyone else but yourself. And put god first, and your people, and you'll be there. I got you. Hola at me if you need help."
The inaugural Streaming Award was presented to Auckland singer/producer Kings for his song "We'll Never Know" while Brooke Fraser received the NZ On Air Radio Airplay for her song Therapy.
And the legendary Samoan band Punialava'a performed a medley of songs from the family band's 50-year career and were acknowledged for their widespread influence on, and significant contribution to, Samoan music and culture.