2026 Pacific Music Awards Announced and Nominations Open                                    
Media release: 11 March 2026
On the anniversary of the inaugural awards, the Pacific Music Awards Trust proudly opens entries and announces the date for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards.

The awards ceremony celebrates current artists, honours history and looks to the future of Pacific music.  This is our collective celebration, dedicated to the incredible Pacific music community.  The 2026 Pacific Music Awards will be held on Wednesday 12 August, at the Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau, Auckland. 

Nominations for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards are now open to all Pacific artists across Aotearoa and the world, who released music in 2025. Local Pacific artists, i.e. New Zealand citizens/residents, can be nominated for all the entered award categories except for the Best International Pacific Artist Award, which is open to Pacific artists from overseas.  Singles, EPs or albums that have been released between 1 January – 31 December 2025, are eligible for entry.   All nominations need to be submitted online through the official entry system, with the deadline being 5pm, Friday 17  April 2026

For more details, including the 2026 PMA Terms & Conditions of Entry, please go to the Entries page on the website (https://www.pacificmusicawards.org.nz/entries-2026.html) The entered categories for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards are confirmed as follows:   Best Pacific Female Artist, Best Pacific Male Artist, Best Pacific Group, Best Pacific Gospel Artist. Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist, Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist, Best Pacific Roots/ Reggae Artist, Best Pacific Language, Best Pacific Song, Best Pacific Music Video, Best Producer, Best International Pacific Artist and Best Pacific Music Album (Aotearoa Music Award).

The Trust will also continue to work on the Tautua Programme, providing advocacy and support for the Pacific music community – and will share more music and content from the Hiva Folau Vaka project, which aims to contribute to language revitalisation through music.

We look forward to receiving all the nominations and to working on the plans for the Pacific Music Awards and the year ahead.
Issued by the Pacific Music Awards Trust
 
For any questions about the Pacific Music Awards or the nomination process for entries, please contact the Trust on:  pacificmusicawardstrust@gmail.com 

HIVA FOLAU VAKA - Vaka Carrying Music OUT NOW!
22-track compilation album celebrating the languages of the Pacific is out today
A powerful initiative aimed at nurturing the creation of new songs in Pacific languages has come full circle today, with the release of the compilation album, HIVA FOLAU VAKA.
 
Listen to HIVA FOLAU VAKA - Vaka Carrying Music HERE
 
Featuring an incredible cast of Pasifika artists and music producers, HIVA FOLAU VAKA - Vaka Carrying Music contains 22 songs, including the new single ‘Te Matagi’ by Fredwyn.

‘Te Matagi’ (The Wind) is a Tokelauan song about strength through struggle, and the faith to keep moving forward. The wind represents life’s challenges “lukitau” - blowing from every direction, fierce and unrelenting.
 
“Instead of fighting it, the song is a reminder to lift your sail and let that same wind carry us forward. We all face storms, but when you see them with faith, what once pushed against you can become the very thing God uses to move you forward,” says Fredwyn, who is making his debut as a solo artist after honing his craft in the award-winning, chart-topping Wellington band Tomorrow People.
 
Fredwyn co-wrote ‘Te Matagi’ with Penehe Tulafono, with Tenei ‘10A’ Kesha on production duties.
 
HIVA FOLAU VAKA - Vaka Carrying Music is a legacy project of the Pacific Music Awards Trust, honouring the languages of Vagahau Niue, Te Gagana Tokelau and Te Reo Māori Kuki ‘Āirani.

Also on the album is the already released ‘Penina He Moana’, by Vitinia and Eseta and produced by Vince Harder. Bi-lingual Vagahau Niue and English ‘Penina He Moana’ is an upbeat song – the perfect soundtrack to summer.

HIVA FOLAU VAKA also features well-known, celebrated artists such as Maisey Rika and Tipene, as well as exciting emerging acts like Fredwyn, Eseta, Vitinia, Kitoria, Nayeza, Vox Dawn and Jere Snohh. The artists worked with top tier producers, including Vince Harder, David Atai, Tenei ‘10A’ Kesha and Christian Mausia to create intergenerational songs for the whole family, providing the connection for families who may be disconnected from each other and from their homelands. It beautifully combines multiple languages, traditional to contemporary genres and an all-ages collective of artists.  Most of all, it is an incredible collection of songs set to become new Pacific classics for the future.

They include: ‘Tala-Noa’, a waiata in te reo Māori and Gagana Samoa, which was created during a gathering to pilot the project. Collaborating on ‘Tala-Noa’ were the artists Maisey Rika, Kas Tha Feelstyle, Tipene, Mo Etc. and Kenzie from Welly, who worked with producer Tenei ‘10A’ Kesha. As the first song completed for HIVA FOLAU VAKA it serves as a collective taonga and was fittingly performed for the first time, to open the 2024 Pacific Music Awards.

Watch the performance of ‘Tala-Noa’ at the 2024 Pacific Music Awards

The creative process for the waiata laid out the blueprint for how the remaining songs were crafted, using a village approach with gatherings in Auckland and Wellington.

The songwriting sessions provided the opportunity for local artists to write and record songs in their own languages - a first time experience for many of the artists and producers involved.  

"As a proud Cook Islander it was an easy yes when asked to be a part of this project. When we preserve our language, we preserve our identity, our culture, our people. HIVA FOLAU VAKA embodies this ethos," says producer David Atai (Nesian Mystik, Crescendo Trust of Aotearoa).

“Working on the HIVA FOLAU VAKA album with the PMAs has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Collaborating with such talented producers, and our emerging artists, while writing music in Niue, Tokelau, and Cook Island languages allowed me to connect deeper with these cultures and build great friendships. I found a new love and respect for the languages, and the process of learning and translating even the smallest phrases opened my mind to a whole new world of sound. Creating music that brings our Pacific languages to more ears and hearts is a privilege I cherish.  Malo lava le soifua,” says the award-winning artist, producer and manager, Vince Harder.

HIVA FOLAU VAKA aims to positively contribute to the revitalisation of Pacific languages, for the diverse Pacific communities who call Aotearoa home, beginning with the languages that are endangered and vulnerable. 

Through connecting new and emerging acts with experienced producers, knowledge holders and professional recording studios, HIVA FOLAU VAKA aims to not only empower and support those involved, but to spark awareness in others too.

“My hope is that HIVA FOLAU VAKA will set the standard for more upcoming Pacific artists to explore the use of Pacific languages with traditional and contemporary music, rhythms and beats. Storytelling and narratives through music is inherent in our Pacific cultures and provides healing, resilience and wellbeing, especially as our young people navigate social issues such as mental health, disability, domestic and family violence and suicide prevention,” says Fonoti Pati Umaga (Project Lead - HIVA FOLAU VAKA).

Revitalising languages is a collective responsibility and requires a collective approach and HIVA FOLAU VAKA is the Pacific Music Awards Trust’s contribution to this movement. 

“The call to action is to listen to all the songs from the album; find the ones for you to learn – play on repeat and share it within your family.  Then take the chance to learn more of a language that is important to you.” says Project Manager, Petrina Togi-Sa’ena.

“We hope HIVA FOLAU VAKA can positively contribute to language revitalisation and for the album to resonate with our communities here in Aotearoa, the Pacific region and across the world. Music is a powerful medium that can reach the masses, all ages, diverse communities.  It can be the vehicle that amplifies and sustains our languages and we hope, will contribute to their survival for many generations to come.”

Listen to HIVA FOLAU VAKA HERE

Artists:
Eseta / Fredwyn / Heiressofthegame / Jasmine Leota & Isitolo Alesana / Jere Snohh /
Kitoria & Nayeza / Liana / Lio Soul / LJ Unuia / Malekeline / Mana Whenua Samoana / Rosetta Lopa & Nate Lopa / Tarani Takai / The Tuloto Band / Tilly & Sagita Lesa / Vitinia / Vox Dawn

Producers:
Christian Mausia / David Atai / NOÉ | Seru Tuivoavoa / Tenei ‘10A’ Kesha /
Trek One | Lance Wairau-Laga / Vince Harder

THANK YOU AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: 
NZ On Air | Irirangi Te Motu

Centre for Pacific Languages
Big Pop Studios
Massey University – Ahumairangi Studio
APRA|AMCOS
Univesal Music
 
The Pacific Music Awards Trust  acknowledges the funding received from NZ On Air, which allowed the project to take place; the partnership with the Centre for Pacific Languages, the support from Big Pop Studios and Massey University – Ahumairangi Studio; APRA|AMCOS and Universal Music.
 
For more information:
HIVA FOLAU VAKA / Pacific Music Awards / Facebook / Instagram / Youtube

 
HIVA FOLAU VAKA
Vaka Carrying Music
Rising stars and celebrated producers band together to honour the music and languages of the Pacific

A ‘who’s who’ of Pasifika artists and music producers have come together on a powerful project aimed at revitalising the Pacific’s most vulnerable and endangered languages.

HIVA FOLAU VAKA - Vaka Carrying Music is a legacy project of the Pacific Music Awards Trust, nurturing the creation of new songs in Pacific languages, as part of the 20th anniversary of the Pacific Music Awards.

At the heart of the project is a 22-track compilation album, which celebrates new and original Pacific music, and honours the languages of Vagahau Niue, Te Gagana Tokelau and Te Reo Māori Kuki ‘Āirani. The album will be released on Friday November 28. Pre-save HERE

Today sees the release of the first single from the project, ‘Penina He Moana’, by artists Vitinia and Eseta, produced by Vince Harder. The single is an upbeat summer celebratory track, and is bi-lingual Vagahau Niue and English.

Listen to ‘Penina He Moana’ HERE

A compilation album like no other, HIVA FOLAU VAKA features well-known, celebrated artists such as Maisey Rika and Tipene, as well as exciting emerging acts like Fredwyn, Eseta, Vitinia, Kitoria, Nayeza, Vox Dawn and Jere Snohh. The artists worked with top tier producers, including Vince Harder, David Atai, Tenei ‘10A’ Kesha and Christian Mausia to create intergenerational songs for the whole family, providing the connection for families who may be disconnected from each other and from their homelands. It beautifully combines multiple languages, traditional to contemporary genres and an all-ages collective of artists.  Most of all, it is an incredible collection of songs set to become new Pacific classics for the future.

They include: ‘Tala-Noa’, a waiata in te reo Māori and Gagana Samoa, which was created during a gathering to pilot the project. Collaborating on ‘Tala-Noa’ were the artists Maisey Rika, Kas Tha Feelstyle, Tipene, Mo Etc. and Kenzie from Welly, who worked with producer Tenei ‘10A’ Kesha. As the first song completed for HIVA FOLAU VAKA it serves as a collective taonga and was fittingly performed for the first time, to open the 2024 Pacific Music Awards.

Watch the performance of ‘Tala-Noa’ at the 2024 Pacific Music Awards

The creative process for the waiata laid out the blueprint for how the remaining songs were crafted, using a village approach with gatherings in Auckland and Wellington.

The songwriting sessions provided the opportunity for local artists to write and record songs in their own languages - a first time experience for many of the artists and producers involved.  

"As a proud Cook Islander it was an easy yes when asked to be a part of this project. When we preserve our language, we preserve our identity, our culture, our people. HIVA FOLAU VAKA embodies this ethos," says producer David Atai (Nesian Mystik, Crescendo Trust of Aotearoa).

“Working on the HIVA FOLAU VAKA album with the PMAs has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Collaborating with such talented producers, and our emerging artists, while writing music in Niue, Tokelau, and Cook Island languages allowed me to connect deeper with these cultures and build great friendships. I found a new love and respect for the languages, and the process of learning and translating even the smallest phrases opened my mind to a whole new world of sound. Creating music that brings our Pacific languages to more ears and hearts is a privilege I cherish.  Malo lava le soifua,” says the award-winning artist, producer and manager, Vince Harder.

HIVA FOLAU VAKA aims to positively contribute to the revitalisation of Pacific languages, for the diverse Pacific communities who call Aotearoa home, beginning with the languages that are endangered and vulnerable. 

Through connecting new and emerging acts with experienced producers, knowledge holders and professional recording studios, HIVA FOLAU VAKA aims to not only empower and support those involved, but to spark awareness in others too.

“My hope is that HIVA FOLAU VAKA will set the standard for more upcoming Pacific artists to explore the use of Pacific languages with traditional and contemporary music, rhythms and beats. Storytelling and narratives through music is inherent in our Pacific cultures and provides healing, resilience and wellbeing, especially as our young people navigate social issues such as mental health, disability, domestic and family violence and suicide prevention,” says Fonoti Pati Umaga (Project Lead - HIVA FOLAU VAKA).

Revitalising languages is a collective responsibility and requires a collective approach and HIVA FOLAU VAKA is the Pacific Music Awards Trust’s contribution to this movement. 

“The call to action is to listen to all the songs from the album; find the ones for you to learn – play on repeat and share it within your family.  Then take the chance to learn more of a language that is important to you.” says Project Manager, Petrina Togi-Sa’ena.

“We hope HIVA FOLAU VAKA can positively contribute to language revitalisation and for the album to resonate with our communities here in Aotearoa, the Pacific region and across the world. Music is a powerful medium that can reach the masses, all ages, diverse communities.  It can be the vehicle that amplifies and sustains our languages and we hope, will contribute to their survival for many generations to come.”

Pre-save HIVA FOLAU VAKA HERE

Artists:
Eseta / Fredwyn / Heiressofthegame / Jasmine Leota & Isitolo Alesana / Jere Snohh / Kas Tha Feelstyle / Kenzie from Welly / Kitoria & Nayeza / Liana / Lio Soul / LJ Unuia / Maisey Rika / Malekeline / Mo Etc / Rosetta Lopa & Nate Lopa / Tarani Takai / The Tuloto Band / Tilly & Sagita Lesa / Tipene / Vitinia / Vox Dawn

Producers:
Christian Mausia / David Atai / NOÉ | Seru Tuivoavoa / Tenei ‘10A’ Kesha /
Trek One | Lance Wairau-Laga / Vince Harder

THANK YOU AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: 
NZ On Air | Irirangi Te Motu

Centre for Pacific Languages
Big Pop Studios
Massey University – Ahumairangi Studio
APRA|AMCOS
 
We acknowledge the funding received from NZ On Air, which allowed the project to take place; the partnership with the Centre for Pacific Languages, the support from Big Pop Studios and Massey University – Ahumairangi Studio; and APRA|AMCOS.
 
For more information:
HIVA FOLAU VAKA / Pacific Music Awards / Facebook / Instagram / Youtube
​