Wayno, widely known as The Prince of Samoan Music, has become a household name for his powerful role in bridging generations through music. Renowned for his popular remakes of classic Samoan songs, Wayno has reintroduced timeless melodies to a new wave of listeners, keeping the heart of Samoan music alive and thriving. His talent has taken him to some of the biggest stages across New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and throughout the Pacific Islands. With every performance, Wayno proudly carries the sounds of Samoa to the world, honoring the past while inspiring the future.
 
Nominated for:
PACIFIC MEDIA NETWORK BEST PACIFIC LANGUAGE

Village90 are a powerhouse of Island-infused RnB and soul. The group's debut single, Young Love, was a huge streaming success while their starring role with SWIDT at the 2022 Pacific Music Awards firmly cemented their status as rising stars.

Incredibly talented musicians, the five band members feature on many stages with international artists while simultaneously releasing their own music like their most recent drops, U&Me in December 2024 and more recently the soulful track On My Way which gives a nod to men's mental health. Keep an ear out for more music soon.
Nominated for:
FLAVA BEST PACIFIC GROUP ​

Tree is an award-winning independent music artist and leading female artist for Aotearoa.  For over 14 years she has successfully been an independent artist, songwriter, singer, producer, director, entrepreneur and a strong advocate for Pacific women and voices in the music industry.  Alongside her husband, she runs the record label BLK.  A mother of three beautiful children, Tree also features on tracks with local and international artists; and mentors up and coming local talent.  A previous finalist and winner at the Pacific Music Awards, this year she was a featured performer and creator for the song ‘Our Way Home’ created for the 20 year celebration of the Pacific Music Awards. She has just released a video to new single ‘for life’ featuring husband and world renowned artist SWISS following the single ‘Butterflies & Heebiejeebies’ and prior to that ‘Tupulaga Samoa’, which honoured her Samoan culture and language, with themes of unity and tautua. All singles are set to feature on her upcoming album 'The Rose Era' releasing very soon.
 
 
Nominated for:
APRA BEST PACIFIC SONG
PACIFIC MEDIA NETWORK BEST PACIFIC LANGUAGE

T'NAY is a soulful singer who has been sharing her deep love for Samoan music over the past year. Passionate about keeping the Samoan language alive, she has committed herself to releasing songs in Samoan, blending tradition with modern sounds. Her music features a unique twist smooth R&B-flavored beats that perfectly complement her rich, emotive vocals. T'NAY’s work not only celebrates her cultural roots but also brings a fresh and contemporary edge to Pacific music.
 
Nominated for:
APRA BEST PACIFIC SONG

Aaron Pulemagafa, better known as TheWesternGuide, has taken the Pacific music scene by storm with his smooth country vocals and heartfelt songwriting. Blending a classic country sound with touches of R&B, soul, and his deep Pacific roots, he's carved out a lane all his own. Invited to perform at festivals across New Zealand, Aaron has quickly become a local favorite, winning over crowds with his unique style and authentic presence. His music speaks to heritage, heart, and home - all delivered with that signature Western twang.
 
Nominated for:
NZ ON AIR BEST PACIFIC MUSIC VIDEO

The 046 is a hip-hop group hailing from Claymore, a public housing suburb in South West Sydney. Formed in 2019, the collective comprises two brothers, Kymza and Ronza and childhood friend Jizza . They are recognized for pioneering “Aus-Funk,” a subgenre that blends classic West Coast G-Funk influences—such as Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Warren G, and Tupac—with contemporary Australian hip-hop sounds .
Operating independently, The 046 has cultivated a substantial following, amassing over 300,000 monthly listeners across various platforms . Their music often reflects their experiences growing up in Claymore, addressing themes of resilience and community .
The 046 toured NZ in 2024 and sold out all shows.
 
Nominated for:
NIU FM BEST INTERNATIONAL PACIFIC ARTIST

Tha Movement is an Otara based independent artist who's career spans several decades. From his early days working alongside fellow Otara based artists Mr Sicc, Facekiller and Ermehn, among others, Tha Movement has built a solid foundation based on culture and connection to his hood and community.
With a series of notable releases including Transition of a Madman (2015), The Undisciplined Son (2017), and his latest album, Cut from a Different Cloth (2023), Tha Movement has allowed us to witness his evolution as an artist, and as a Samoan man, born and raised in NZ.
With an undeniable presence in the studio and on stage, Tha Movement weaves a powerful narrative that will leave you convinced.
 
 
Nominated for:
NZ ON AIR BEST PACIFIC MUSIC VIDEO

SWIDT is a multi-award-winning rap group and 5-man collective from Stoneyhunga. With a growing catalogue of acclaimed singles and projects such as ‘STONEYHUNGA’, ‘The Most Electrifying EP’ and their most recent album ‘TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS’ they’ve solidified their presence in the New Zealand music scene. Their latest hit, ‘KELZ GARAGE’, is certified gold in Aotearoa, and has become a staple across everyone’s playlists. SWIDT has shared the stage with icons like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wu-Tang Clan, and Post Malone, and their high-energy live shows, colorful fashion, and relatable yet world-class sound have earned them a dedicated following.
 
Nominated for:
FLAVA BEST PACIFIC GROUP
ONErpm BEST PACIFIC HIP HOP ARTIST
RECORDED MUSIC NZ TE TINO PUKAEMI MOANA NUI A KIWA O TE TAU | BEST PACIFIC MUSIC ALBUM

Sire is an emerging r&b artist, dancer, singer, and songwriter originating from Taranaki, New Zealand. Now based in Melbourne, Australia, the talented artist is poised to make waves in the scene with his unparalleled sound and style. Growing up in a musical family, Sire was already writing music by the age of fourteen. Since then, he has developed his sound and style to what it is today. Through his emotion-filled vocal performances, Sire radiates raw emotion through explosive instrumentation. Inspired by the likes of Michael Jackson and Chris Brown, Sire strives to push the envelope with his sound and create his own artistic lane. The Taranaki-bred artist seeks to connect intimately through his lyricism with listeners around the world and spread a message of love, restoration, healing, and freedom. Sire will have listeners engulfed in the musical world he creates with his no-frills approach and realness. With a distinctive sound, Sire is an artist to watch as he is set to take the scene by storm.
 
Nominated for:
531pi BEST PACIFIC GOSPEL ARTIST

Shepherds Reign is the premier Samoan heavy metal band making waves on the international music scene.
 
Established in 2013, they have garnered acclaim for their unique fusion of metal and traditional Pacific sounds.
 
Alongside the nomination for the prestigious Taite Music Award, Shepherds Reign has received multiple Pacific Music Awards, including leading nominations at last year's ceremony. Their powerful performances and captivating lyrics pay homage to their cultural heritage while addressing contemporary issues, establishing them as a unique voice for the Pacific diaspora.
 
With a dedicated fan base that spans across continents, Shepherds Reign has performed at prominent festivals and venues across the Tasman, Samoa and as far a field as Norway in Europe. Their music has gained millions of streams on various platforms, showcasing their ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, amplifying their message and connecting them with the diverse experiences of the Samoan diaspora.
 
 
Nominated for:
NZ ON AIR BEST PACIFIC MUSIC VIDEO