2020 NEW MUSIC PASIFIKA

​NZ On Air held the second ever New Music Pasifika round in May 2020, seeking new music from Pasifika artists.  NZ On Air doubled-down on the investment, with funding confirmed for 24 artists and tracks, from the 95 applications received, almost twice the amount received for the inaugural round. Each artist will receive $8,000 funding to record and promote their songs.  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. For 19 of the artists it is their first time receiving NZ On Air funding. 

The Pacific Music Awards Trust and Pacific Media Network were partners with NZ On Air, working to provide assist with publicising the funding round and reaching out to engage the Pacific music community.  Our Trust understands and values the important contribution this support will make to the Pacific music community and NZ music industry.  

The 24 artists confirmed for this funding are as follows:

Alimit ‘Inanay – The Tribute featuring Jagarizzar x Tiddas’, ANTHEM ‘Joy featuring Marley Sola & David Ware’, Diggy Dupé ‘Hype’, Foundation ‘Start Love Over’, Hawkins ‘Can’t Leave It Alone’, IYBZEE & IYBZAY Does She Really Want Me?’, JARNA ‘I’m Fine’, Juwan ‘Home’, LEO MerryGoRound, Lomez Brown ‘Feel The Motion’, MAL ‘Say/Ne Pehe Mai’, Raggadat Cris / Foki Mai, Sam V X bKIDD ‘Cruisin’, Samson Squad ‘Taku Vaine’, Sapphire Matāfai ‘Dilemma’, SEMA ‘Real’, Shepherds Reign ‘Aiga (Toe Fo’i)’, Tazman Jack ‘Myself’, THE MITIS ‘See You Again’, TJ Taotua ‘You and I’, TONE6 ‘Another Level of Emotion’, Tree ‘Afio Ane Loa’, Village90 ‘To the Wire’, VILLETTE ‘Angle’.