2025 award recipients are highlighted

Auckland Council​  Best Pacific Female Artist

• WINNER: Aaradhna - Sweet Surrender
• Jordyn with a Why - Hibiscus Moon, Love & Justice
• Kenzie from Welly - ‘Hold Ya Head’, ‘Queendom’

NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist

• WINNER: SHANE WALKER - ‘Coasty Girl’, ‘Maori in Me’, ‘Iesu’, ‘Let Me Be Your Man’, ‘The Lord is Watching You’, ‘Believe’
• Diggy Dupé - ‘Request Line’
• MELODOWNZ - ‘Broke’, ‘Calm and Chill’, ‘When I’, ‘High Vibration’, ‘MeloDub (828)’, ‘Directions’
• Myshaan - ‘Power of Love (Reggae)’, ‘Carry My Heart’, ‘Wrapped’, ‘I Do’
• Sam V - ‘90's Fine’, ‘Rolling Your Eyes’

Flava Best Pacific Group

• WINNER: A.R.T - ‘When He Was Mine (Pele Fo'i Mai)’, ‘Easy’
• Adeaze - ‘Forever I Am Yours’
• SWIDT - Taking Care of Business
• Village 90 - ‘U & Me’

Pacific Media Network Best Pacific Language

• WINNER: Opetaia Foa'i & Moana 2 Artists - ‘Tulou Tagaloa (Sei e Va’ai Mai)’, ‘My Wish For You (Innocent Warrior), ‘Finding the Way’, ‘Mana Vavau’, ‘We’re Back (Te Vaka version), ‘Nuku O Kaiga’
• A.R.T - ‘When He Was Mine (Pele Fo'i Mai)’, ‘Easy’
• Junior Soqeta - 'Moni Meke', 'Senituli 'Oe Tau'ataina', 'Buna Na Isa Lei Buna'
• Tree - ‘Tupulaga Samoa ft Wayno’
• Wayno - ‘Siva Samoa 2K24 (Reggae Version)’, ‘Siva Samoa 2K24’, ‘Fafine Faitala’, ‘Tama O Le Faifaiaso’

531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist

• WINNER: Brotherhood Musiq - 'Open The Eyes of My Heart'
• Saia Frank Sola - 'E Le Galo Le Mativa (Feat. DJ Twitch)', 'Fai Oe Ma Leleiga', 'Sili Ai Lou Alu Eke Moe', 'E Le'o Se Mea Ta'alo Lo'u Alofa', 'Aisea', Oute Le Ma i Le Mativa', Tofa La'u Feagaiga'
• SHANE WALKER - ‘Iesu’
• Sire - 'Temporary'

ONErpm Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist

• WINNER: Kenzie from Welly - ‘Hold Ya Head’, ‘Queendom’
• David Dallas - Vita
• MELODOWNZ - ‘Broke’, ‘Calm and Chill’, ‘When I’, ‘High Vibration’, ‘MeloDub (828)’, ‘Directions’
• SWIDT - Taking Care of Business

RNZ Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist

• WINNER: Sam V - ‘90's Fine’, ‘Rolling Your Eyes’
• Aaradhna - Sweet Surrender
• Jordyn with a Why - Hibiscus Moon, Love & Justice

Pacificast Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist

• WINNER: Lomez Brown - UNDER-RATED
• Rubi Du - ‘Calling’, ‘Day Dreaming’
• SHANE WALKER - ‘Let Me Be Your Man’, ‘The Lord is Watching You’

NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video

• WINNER: Tha Movement - ’The Lecture’
  • Director: Samson Rambo
• Aaradhna - 'Mango Tree'
  • Director: Prasenjit Das
• Haanz Fa'avae-Jackson - ‘Mavehe’
  • Directors:  Mario Faumui
• Shepherds Reign – ‘Ala Mai’
  • Director: Bahador Borhani
• TheWesternGuide – ‘Bottom of the Bed’
  • Director: Esther Mauga

MPG Aotearoa/SAE Creative Media Institute Best Producer

• WINNER: Astro, EDYONTHEBEAT, Sam V - ‘90's Fine’, ‘Rolling Your Eyes’, Sam V
• Canaan Ene - ‘The Way It Is’, ‘Handyman’, ‘You've Got A Friend’, ‘Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You, ‘Selfish’, ‘Lately’, Canaan Ene and various artists
• Feagaigafou Tupa'i, Logovi’i Tupa'i, Astro, EDYONTHEBEAT - ‘Forever I Am Yours’, Adeaze
• Ikon Music – ‘When He Was Mine (Pele Fo'i Mai)’, ‘Easy’, A.R.T

APRA Best Pacific Song

• WINNER: SHANE WALKER - ‘Believe’
  • Written by Shane Walker
• Fejoint, Lomez Brown, Switch.E - ‘Stay’
  • Written by: Fejoint, LomezBrown Sione Eliesa
• T'NAY - ‘Penina O Le Vasa ft Wayno’
  • Written by: Sililo Tapuitima
• Tree - ‘Tupulaga Samoa ft Wayno’
  • Written by: Juliana Sopoaga Lologa and Joyce Lonise Toleafoa

NIU FM Best International Pacific Artist

• WINNER: The 046 - ‘Music is Everything’, ‘Lifetime’, ‘Young Free & Reckless’, ‘Hustle Hard’ ‘All In’
• Jaro Local - ‘Aghe Kula’
• KUKI - ‘What's Up’, ‘Fijian Lewa’, ‘Au Na Vuka Yani’, Noqu Vanua (EP),
• Paradise Rootz - ‘Galili’, ‘Liwa Donu Tu’, ‘AJI ft The Gang’
• Seven Suns - Many Feathers

Recorded Music NZ Te Tino Pukaemi Moana Nui a Kiwa o e Tau | Best Pacific Music Album

• WINNER: Jordyn with a Why - Hibiscus Moon, Love & Justice
• Aaradhna - Sweet Surrender
• Lomez Brown - UNDER-RATED
• SWIDT - Taking Care of Business

Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award

• Opetaia Foa’i

Matai Special Recognition Award

• DJ K-SWIZZ

SunPix People’s Choice Award - Best Pacific Artist

• SHANE WALKER

NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award

• A.R.T - ‘When He Was Mine (Pele Fo’I Mai)’

NZ On Air Streaming Award

• Savage ft Aaradhna ‘They Don’t Know’

Phillip Fuemana Award – Most Promising Pacific Artist

• Nelz

Creative New Zealand Award

• Chris Ta’aloga Faiumu (MU)

Arch Angel Independent Music Award

• BLK Entertainment​

​

2024 award recipients are highlighted

Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist:
WINNER: Aaradhna - ‘She’
Elena - ‘Ur Vibe’
Jordyn with a Why - ‘Set Go | Seen Tonight’
Olivia Foa'i - Tūmau Pea

NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist:
WINNER: Diggy Dupé - ‘We The City’
Kings - Dad's Son
lilbubblegum - ’Hourglass’, ‘Rickys’, ‘Mudboy’, ‘Pack-a-Punch’
Sam V - You Left Your Things Here (LP)

Flava Best Pacific Group:
WINNER: SWIDT - ’YOUPHORIA feat HIGH HOOPS’, ‘Burn One Feat Stallyano’, ‘Hocus Pocus’, ‘Not 4 Sale’
A.R.T. - ‘WTF Man’
Shepherds Reign - Ala Mai

531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist:
WINNER: Signature Choir - Mana Moana
Junior Soqeta - ‘Fiji Forever (feat Pauliasi), Just You & Me (feat JSQZE)
TONE6 - ‘Close Your Eyes’

Matai Watches Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist:
WINNER: Diggy Dupé - ‘We The City’
SWIDT - ’YOUPHORIA feat HIGH HOOPS’, ‘Burn One Feat Stallyano’, ‘Hocus Pocus’, ‘Not 4 Sale’
Tha Movement - Cut From a Different Cloth

Pacificcast Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist:
WINNER: Sam V - You Left Your Things Here (LP)
Aaradhna - ‘She’
ELENA - ‘Ur Vibe’

Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist:
WINNER: Unity Pacific - ‘Integrity’
Folau - 'Upē 'O Siu'ilikutapu’
Shane Walker - ‘Tahine Tonga’, ‘Mrs Walker’, ‘Come Back Darling’, ‘Cigah’
Stanley T - ’Fallin’, ‘Island Girl’, ‘Honestly’, ‘Lockdown’

Niu FM Best International Pacific Artist:
WINNER: Josh Tatofi - 'Ouana’, ‘Why Worry’, ‘Storms Never Last’, ‘Fakateretere’, ‘I Jus Want Ya’, ‘I'm Gonna Love You’, ‘Tears On My Pillow’
Jaro Local - ‘Olbaut Olbaut’, ‘Wani Eh’, ‘Kativa’
Kennyon Brown, Donell Lewis, DJ Noiz - ‘Island Girl’
Mr Cowboy - ‘OB-LA-DI, OB-LA-DA’

MPG/SAE Best Producer:
WINNER: Haz Beats - Brunette EP (Haz & Miloux) ‘Run It Back’ (Home Brew)
Aaradhna - ‘She’ (Aaradhna)
Kings - Dad's Son (Kings)
Oliver Leupolu - Ala Mai (Shepherds Reign)

NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video:
WINNER: Aaradhna - ‘She’
Director: Anahera Parata
Diggy Dupe - ‘We The City’
Director: Tom Grut
EMA I'U - ‘Flower of Life’
Director: Francis Baker
Pat - ’What Do I Do feat Dizzy Dash & Sven Illy’
Director: Danny Aumua
Shepherds Reign - ’Nafanua’
Director: Dave Thomson
Tha Movement - ’Tin City feat. Sid Diamond’
Director: Robert George

APRA Best Pacific Song:
WINNER: Aaradhna - ‘She’
Writer: Aaradhna Patel
A.R.T. - ‘WTF Man’
Writers: Anastasia Sirila, Roseta Lopa, Tiresa Foma'i, Avina Kelekolio, Edward Liu, Jeremiah Fale
Diggy Dupé - ‘We The City’
Writer: Stephen Atutolu
Shepherds Reign - ‘Ua Masa'a’
Writers: Filiva'a James, Oliver Leupolu, Shaymen Rameka, Gideon Voon, Joseph Oti-George
SWIDT - ‘YOUPHORIA feat HIGH HOOPS’
Writers: Taniela Latu, Amon McGoram, Jordan Arts
Teo Glacier - ‘Close With Desires (feat. Thuy)’
Writers: Eden Betham, Rory Noble, Thuy Tran

SunPix Best Pacific Language:
WINNER: Shepherds Reign - Ala Mai
Signature Choir - Mana Moana
Olivia Foa'i - Tūmau Pea

Recorded Music NZ Te Tino Te Pukaemi Toa O Te Moana Nui A Kiwa o te Tau | Best Pacific Music Album Award:
WINNER Shepherds Reign - Ala Mai
Signature Choir - Mana Moana
Kings - Dad's Son
Olivia Foa’i - Tūmau Pea
Sam V - You Left Your Things Here 

NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award:
WINNER: Jordan Gavet ‘He Said’

NZ On Air Streaming Award:
WINNER:  Savage ft Aaradhna ‘They Don’t Know’

SunPix People’s Choice Award - Best Pacific Artist:
WINNER: Shane Walker

Phillip Fuemana Award – Most Promising Pacific Artist:
MITI
​
Creative New Zealand Award:
Noa Records

Ministry for Pacific Peoples Special Recognition Award:
531pi

Ministry for Pacific Peoples Special Recognition Award:
Teremoana Rapley

Arch Angel Independent Music Award:
Aaron Strickland - Astro
 

2023 award recipients are highlighted

Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist:
WINNER: Olivia Foa'I - ‘Sunlight’
Jordan Gavet - ‘He Said’
Jordyn with a Why - ‘Brown Melodies’
Lou’ana - ‘Lost & Found’

NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist:
WINNER: MELODOWNZ - Lone Wolf
Sam V - The one, the lonely EP, ‘Come Through’, ‘Love Again’
Victor J Sefo - ‘685’, ‘685 Remix’

Flava Best Pacific Group:
WINNER: Deceptikonz - In Perpetuity
STNDRD - Jukebox |’Otara (Misunderstood)’
Three Houses Down - ‘The Dream’

531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist:
WINNER: Punialava'a - Tagi Le Atunu'u Pele
Blsd One - Ready or Not EP
Wayno - ‘Seu lou Pologa’, ‘Siva Samoa 2K23’

Matai Watches Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist:
WINNER: Poetik - Hamofied Tre
Deceptikonz - In Perpetuity
MELODOWNZ - Lone Wolf

Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist:
WINNER: Sam V - The one, the lonely EP, 'Come Through,' 'Love Again'
Lepani - ‘Tell You Something’, ‘The Morning’
Lou’ana - ‘Lost & Found’

Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist:
WINNER: Three Houses Down - 'The Dream', 'She Loves Me'
Canaan Ene x Swiss - ‘Luv & Company’
Sweet & Irie - ‘Maximum ft Shane Walker’, ‘My Communication to You’

Niu FM Best International Pacific Artist:
WINNER: Josh Tatofi - 'Prisoner of Love’, 'Sweet Loven’, 'Landslide’, ‘Still the One', 'Pua Ahih'I’, 'Good Morning Beautiful’, 'Tomorrow'
FAIVA - ‘Valovalo Mai’
Jaro Local - Flowers of July EP  

MPG/SAE Best Producer:
WINNER: Mareko x Ricky Paul- Untitled: ACT 1 (Producer: Ricky Paul Musik)
Sam V - ‘Come Through’, ‘Sex & Pain’, ‘Love Again’,’ I Tried To Tell U’ Producer: Edward Liu
Victor J Sefo - ‘685’ ‘685 Remix’ Producer: Victor J Sefo

NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video:
WINNER: MELODOWNZ- 'Pray For More ft Lisi, Mikey Dam' (Directed by Connor Pritchard)
Olivia Foa'i - ‘Sunlight’ Directed by Shae Sterling
Hales - ‘Just My Type’ Directed by Canaan Ene
Lou’ana - ‘Lost & Found’ Directed by Anna Rose Duckworth

APRA Best Pacific Song:
WINNER: Victor J Sefo- '685' (Written by Victor J Sefo, Ventry Parker, Elijah Tovio)
Deceptikonz - ‘One Time’ Written by D Savelio/ M Sagapolutele D Maoate/D Puniani/R Oliver/D Adams/V Papalii
Olivia Foa'i - ‘Sunlight’ Written by Olivia Foa’i
Sam V - ‘Come Through’ Written by Sam Verlinden, Eli Naea, Edward Liu

SunPix Best Pacific Language:
WINNER: Olivia Foa'i-  'Sunlight'
Canaan Ene x Junior - Soqeta ‘Tabamuni’
Rei & Olivia Foa'i - ‘Kokomea’
Wayno - ‘Seu lou Pologa’, ‘Siva Samoa 2K23’

Recorded Music NZ Te Pukaemi Toa O Te Moana Nui A Kiwa | Best Pacific Music Album Award:
WINNER: MELODOWNZ- Lone Wolf
Poetik - Hamofied Tre
STNDRD - Jukebox

NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award:
WINNER: SWIDT ft Lomez Brown- 'Kelz Garage'

NZ On Air Streaming Award:
WINNER: Savage ft Aaradhna- 'They Don’t Know'

SunPix People’s Choice Award - Best Pacific Artist:
WINNER: Wayno

Phillip Fuemana Award – Most Promising Pacific Artist:
Teo Glacier

Creative New Zealand Award:
Lady Shaka

Ministry for Pacific Peoples Special Recognition Award:
531pi

Ministry for Pacific Peoples Special Recognition Award:
Mark Vanilau

Arch Angel Independent Music Award:
Victor J Sefo

Manukau Institute of Technology Te Pukenga Lifetime Achievement Award:
Toni Williams
 

2022 award recipients are highlighted

Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist:
Emily Muli - ‘Break’
Mo Etc. – Oceanbed
Tree - ‘No Fear ft Junior Soqeta’

NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist:
Diggy Dupé - ‘WEON’
Kings - Raplist, ‘Young 4Eva’
Poetik - Poetik Justice

Flava Best Pacific Group:
SWIDT - ‘Seize the Day ft Savage’, ‘Kelz Garage’, ‘312 Day’
Team Dynamite - Respect The Process
Tomorrow People - 21

NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video:
Diggy Dupé, choicevaughan & P. Smith - ‘Ain't The Same ft. Melodownz & Summer Vaha'akolo’ 
Directed by Tom Hernv and Timēna Apa
House of Misfits - ‘Tā Te Manawa’
Directed by Abigail Dougherty
Vallé - ‘Swing Low’
Directed by Connor Pritchard

APRA Best Pacific Song:
Kings - ‘Young 4Eva’
Written by Kingdon Chapple-Wilson
Samson Squad - ‘Amene’
Written by Jacob Samson, Tautape Samson & Jayjay Samson 
SWIDT ‘Kelz Garage’
Written by Daniel Latu, Amon McGoram, Isaiah Libeau, Lomez Brown, Samuel Verlinden
  
SunPix Best Pacific Language:
Kas Futialo - Grandmasta Kas
Lani Alo - ‘Tua i manu’
Samson Squad - ‘Kainga’, ‘Amene’
Shepherds Reign - ‘Nga Ao E Rua feat. Swizl Jager’’

Base FM & Island Base FM Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist:
Poetik - Poetik Justice
SWIDT - ‘Seize the Day ft Savage’, ‘Kelz Garage’, ‘312 Day’
Team Dynamite - Respect The Process
 
Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist:
Emily Muli - ‘Break’
Sam V - ‘Wired’, ‘Biker Boy’
TJ Taotua - Overdue

One Love Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist:
Foundation - ‘Closer’
Sammielz - ‘Okay’
Tomorrow People - 21
Victor J Sefo - ‘Pele Ea’, ‘Ride’, ‘Shots’

531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist:
Anthem - Anthem
House of Misfits ‘Tā Te Manawa’
Tree - ‘No Fear ft Junior Soqeta’
 
Niu FM Best International Pacific Artist:
Bina Butta & Kennyon Brown - ‘Lady Love’
Jaro Local - ‘Kamanda Amanda’, ‘First Time’, ‘Single Papa’, ‘25 Minutes’
Lisi - ‘Good Life’, ‘Dreams’, ‘Til the Death’, ‘Baby We On’

MPG/SAE Best Producer
Diggy Dupé, choicevaughan & P. Smith - The Panthers OST 
Producers: Diggy Dupé, choicevaughan, P Smith
Team Dynamite - Respect The Process
Producer: Harry (Haz Beats) Huavi
Tomorrow People - 21
Producers: IKON MUSIC - Avina Kelekolio, Hennie Tui, Tana Tupai

Recorded Music Te Pukaemi Toa o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa Best Pacific Music Album  
Diggy Dupé, choicevaughan & P. Smith - The Panthers OST
Kings – Raplist
Tomorrow People - 21  

SunPix People’s Choice Award – Best Pacific Artist
Samson Squad

Phillip Fuemana Award – Most Promising Pacific Artist
Jarna

Creative New Zealand Award
Shepherds Reign

Ministry for Pacific People’s Special Recognition Awards
Ngaire Fuata
Tagata Pasifika
Niu FM - Pacific Media Network

Arch Angel Independent Music Award
lilbubblegum

​Manukau Institute of Technology Te Pukenga Lifetime Achievement Award
Fa’anana Jerome Grey
 

2021 award recipients are highlighted

Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist:
Jordan Gavet – ‘Do Better’
Lou’ana – Moonlight Madness
Tree – Mrs Tree  

NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist:
Hawkins – ‘Can’t Leave It Alone’/’Streetlights’/’Fireflies’/’I Couldn’t Tell It All’
Kings – ‘Help Me Out’ 
Melodownz – ‘Fine’

Flava Best Pacific Group:
Church & AP – At Thy Feet
Shepherds Reign – ‘Aiga’
STNDRD – Keep it STNDRD
Team Dynamite – ‘Dragon Fruit ft. Louis Baker’

NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video:
Kings  ‘Help Me Out’ 
Directed by Kings
Tree – ‘Afio Ane Loa’   
Directed by Tree Manu & Quincy Filiga
Vallé   ‘Trip Advisor’ 
​Directed by Jadon Calvert  

APRA Best Pacific Song:
Jawsh 685 – ‘Savage Love (Laxed-Siren Beat)’ 
Written by Joshua Nani, Phil Greiss, Jason Derula, Jacob Kasher Hindlin
Kings - ‘Help Me Out’ 
Writen by Kingdon Chapple-Wilson, Matt Sadgrove, Sam Eriwata, Joel Latimer
Team Dynamite - ‘Dragon Fruit ft Louis Baker’ 
Written by Tony Sihamau, Lance Fepuleai, Harry Huavi, Louis Baker

SunPix Best Pacific Language:
Loopy Tunes Preschool Music - ‘Umukisia’
Samson Squad - ‘Taviri/Manea/Te Kuki Airani’
Shepherds Reign – ‘Aiga’
Tree – Mrs Tree 

Base FM & Island Base Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist:
Church & AP – At Thy Feet
Diggy Dupé - That's Me, That's Team
Melodownz – ‘Fine’

Best Pacific Soul/R&B Artist:
Emily Muli – ‘Self Care’
Lepani – In the Moment EP
Lou’ana – Moonlight Madness  

One Love Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist:
Lomez Brown – The Feels & Groove EP
Raggadat Cris – ‘Nay Sayers’
Victor J Sefo – ‘My Everything’/’Is It Bad’/’Want To’/’Like’ 

531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist:
Erakah – ‘How You Love Me’
Marley Sola – ‘Lift Your Head High’
TY – ‘Never Too Far’/’Drive’  

Niu FM Best International Pacific Artist:
DJ Noiz – ‘Amelia ft Kennyon Brown, Donnell Lewis, Victor J Sefo’
J Boog – ‘Siva Mai feat Siaosi’
Mr Cowboy – ‘Daddy Toe Sau’  
Tenelle – ‘This Is X’

Recorded Music NZ Best Pacific Music Album:
Lepani – In the Moment EP
Lou’ana – Moonlight Madness  
Tree – Mrs Tree

Best Producer
Jawsh 685 – ‘Savage Love (Laxed-Siren Beat)’ 
Producer:  Jawsh 685
Lepani – In the Moment EP 
Producers: Lepani, Rory Noble, Ambian & Sleo, Devin Abrams
Lou’ana – Moonlight Madness  
Producer: Nathan Judd  

Phillip Fuemana Award – Most Promising Pacific Artist
Emily Muli  

NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award
Jawsh 685 x Jason Derulo – ‘Savage Love (Laxed-Siren Beat)  

NZ On Air Streaming Award
Jawsh 685 x Jason Derulo – ‘Savage Love (Laxed-Siren Beat)  

SunPix People’s Choice Award – Best Pacific Artist
Samson Squad

Ministry for Pacific Peoples Special Recognition Award
Nick Afoa  

Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award
George “Fiji” Veikoso