SWIDT, A Hip Hop collective from Onehunga, comprising of SmokeyGotBeatz (Isaiah Libeau), SPYCC (Dan Latu), INF (Amon McGoram), JAMAL (Jamal Muavae) and Boomer Tha God (Asher Schwencke). Since exploding onto the scene in 2016 the 312 natives have made a huge impact on the local scene & are now expanding their sights onto the rest of the world. The release of their debut album Stoneyhunga which quickly became an instant classic, saw them receive the highest number of nominations putting them on the HipHop Map. SWIDT returns with collaborations with Savage ‘Seize the Day’ and ‘Kelz Garage’, which features Lomez Brown and Sam V. As their impressive catalogue grows, so does their need for creative freedom as they continue to provide the masses with local content at an international standard.
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Shepherds Reign are bringing their house to your ears, mind and heart, their power and passion unequivocal, their musical voices luminescent and majestic. Hailing from South Auckland New Zealand, and thus Polynesian by birth and blood, Filiva’a James (vocals and keytar), Gideon Voon (guitar), Oliver Leupolu (guitar/production), Shaymen Rameka (drums) and Joseph Oti-George (bass) are not playing games. Shepherds Reign is life, Shepherds Reign is survival, Shepherds Reign is mental and physical health and Shepherds Reign is what they are on this planet to do.
Their voice is their mighty, fearsome music and their vocation is to share with the world every aspect of lives and cultures deserve the international ear. Whether unleashing the raw, guttural tribal roar of Aiga or the biker-rough riffery which is ‘End of The Trial’, there is a special passion and power in every single note Shepherds reign shares with the world, a rare presence that demands the world stage. A group of siblings who hail from the Cook Islands and Samoa. Raised in a family heavily involved in their culture, particularly the COOK ISLANDS culture and have an upbringing of entertaining locally and overseas.
Along with our culture, they grew a special kind of love for Music seeing as their father was a singer. The mastermind behind Samson Squad is the baby brother Jayjay Samson who produces all their music and is the main singer, however, each play an instrumental role in what makes up the squad. A family group made up of 1 sister and 5 brothers. Their music is bilingual Cook Islands English with a modern twist. Born and raised in Auckland NZ and now residing in Sydney, Australia. Sammielz was first recognised in the music game as the former lead singer of DSS (Da Soul Sound) where he branched out to begin the pursuit of his solo career in 2011, rapidly propelling himself to the forefront of reggae music’s hottest acts. In 2014 his hit single ‘Let us be’ landed him the title of ‘Break Out Artist’ that the same year with his single ranking up to over 200 Million views.
Auckland Central's very own R&B showman, Sam V, is a rising figure in the New Zealand music industry. A prolific songwriter, accomplished vocalist and charismatic performer, 24-year-old Sam V has been diligently honing his craft over the past years since emerging as a teen sensation on YouTube. Currently, he operates as a founder and member of R&B/Hip-Hop collective Y$O (Young & $lept On). 2021 saw Sam V receive notable co-signs from the likes of Victor J Sefo, Kennyon Brown and SWIDT while capitalising on his prolific partnership with producer, EDY. Aside from Y$O and various collaborations, Sam V released 2 singles in 2021 - Wired and Biker Boy. Collaboration coupled with Sam V's solo ventures, the future of NZ and Pacific R&B is held in steady hands by Mangaia's favourite export. Stay tuned.
Born in New Zealand and raised in Apia Samoa, the world got its first taste of POETIK on his three independently released street albums ‘The Ambassador’, ‘For The Ville’and ‘Poetikly Done’ and ’Hamofied’ ep debuted at #1 on Itunes New Zealand Hip Hop chart in 2017.
Known for his outspoken opinions on racism, Polynesian culture, and mainstream and for putting Samoan HipHop on the map, POETIK has brought a distinct Pasifika blend to his 90’s West Coast flows, earning him nominations and winning awards. His background is a testament to his strength and drove him to always stay true to himself, his fans and his sound. Not afraid to speak about the struggle of poverty, love, the hood, culture, racism, street violence, and the devilish side of the music industry. Hailing from Wellington, multidisciplinary act Mo Etc. creates music for the soul. With formal acting training for stage and screen, local singer-songwriter Moana fell in love with the music scene spending hours upon hours writing tunes to feed our inner soul and emotions. Her most recent album ‘Oceanbed’ is a sonic journey through love, loss and self-discovery, including beats and tones all too familiar with indie, neo-soul and R&B. Mo Etc. produces all her content, from writing, directing, and producing to even putting her ideas into video production, making her an act worthy of looking out for in the music and all creative industries.
In a scene dominated by bravado and chest-puffery, Goodna rapper Lisi offers a refreshingly relatable and grounded approach to rap. Since bursting onto the scene with his Gold-accredited single 'Say Less' in 2019, Lisi has become one of the most omnipresent local forces in hip-hop, accumulating over 30 million streams and 10 million Youtube views in the opening chapter of his career. With a focus on intricate storytelling and personal lyricism, Lisi's music delves into everyday life in the 4300 and the real issues faced by his people, evidenced by his widely-praised Average Man EP in 2020 and his latest album PERSPECTIVE. Offering a contemporary take on classic hip-hop sonics, Lisi's considered sound has earned him an intergenerational and international fanbase.
Lani Alo is an award-winning Artist and Choral Director of Samoan Descent. He is a proud alumnus of the University of Otago where he graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 2015 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance (Dist.) in 2017. Lani has a wealth of experience in the performing arts and has been involved in the creative sector for over 15 years. He has performed with and opened for local and international acts including Six60, Paramore and the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra. In 2018 his choir EFKS Te Atatu Junior Youth won the Best Gospel Artist Award at the Vodafone Pacific Music Awards. In 2020 he won Best Pacific Gospel Artist and Best Pacific Song at the Pacific Music Awards for his debut solo single ‘Alo i ou faiva’ which to date has reached over 3 million views and streams across digital platforms.
New Zealand-born producer, rapper, singer, and songwriter, KINGS burst onto the scene in 2016 with his single 'Don't Worry 'Bout It'. The track went on to become the biggest local release that year, selling triple platinum, surpassing the record for longest-running #1 on the New Zealand Singles Chart from Lorde, by spending 33 consecutive weeks at the top.
KINGS then released three projects independently, displaying the depth and breadth of his musical abilities and dexterity. His most recent album RAPLIST, was released in 2021 to mass acclaim and features the Platinum smash hit 'Help Me Out', featuring Sons Of Zion. Alongside his own music, Kings has collaborated with a wide variety of artists both locally and abroad including, L.A.B., Bliss n Esso, Dizzee Rascal, CHAII, Louis Baker, Hamo Dell, Stan Walker, Ria Hall, Jolyon Petch, Pacific Heights, Magik Johnson, General Lee, Dan Aux and many more. |