Turning Up The Volume Of Pasifika Music In Aotearoa

12 June 2020

24 Pasifika music artists have won funding to record new music, including tracks in Pacific languages, thanks to a record investment from NZ On Air.

NZ On Air has just had its second ever New Music Single focus round seeking new music from Pasifika artists. The first round in 2019 produced 14 tracks including three that have been selected as finalists for the forthcoming 2020 Pacific Music Awards.

In the latest round this week, NZ On Air doubled-down on the investment, with an expert panel choosing 24 tracks from 95 submitted. Each will receive $8,000 funding to record and promote their songs. For 19 of the artists it is their first time receiving NZ On Air funding.

The funded songs span multiple genre including Hip Hop, Gospel, RnB, Heavy Metal and Country music, with languages represented including Niuean, Tongan, Cook Island Māori and Samoan, as well as English.

NZ On Air’s Head of Music David Ridler says the panel were blown away by the breadth of talent represented in the applications.

“This second Pasifika music funding round shows there is not only an extraordinary amount of talent in the Pasifika community just waiting for the opportunity to be discovered, but also the success of the first round shows there is demand for their music,” said Mr Ridler.

Last year NZ On Air invested $112,000 in new Pacific music through the first focus round – this latest round has invested $192,000 and there’s more to come.

With additional funding announced by government to support NZ music get back on its feet post-Covid, Mr Ridler says NZ On Air intends to run at least a further two New Music Pasifika rounds in the next 18 months.

It will also be running further targeted rounds for songs in Te Reo Māori and more songs for tamariki.

NZ On Air thanks the Pacific Music Awards Trust and Pacific Media Network who helped to engage the Pacific music community in this funding round.

Funding details

All receive an $8,000 grant

Alimit / Inanay – The Tribute featuring Jagarizzar x Tiddas

ANTHEM / Joy featuring Marley Sola & David Ware

Diggy Dupe / Hype

Foundation / Start Love Over

Hawkins / Can’t Leave It Alone

IYBZEE & IYBZAY / Does She Really Want Me?

JARNA / I’m Fine

Juwan / Home