 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
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 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 Media release
21 August 2025 A night of honour and harmony at the 2025 Pacific Music Awards Pacific musicians celebrated at the 21st annual Pacific Music Awards Auckland, New Zealand – August 2025 – Tonight, the 2025 Pacific Music Awards lit up the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland, with a vibrant celebration of Pacific musical excellence. Marking its 21st year, the event brought together artists, families, and communities to honour the rich tapestry of Pacific music and its impact across Aotearoa and beyond. SHANE WALKER emerged as a standout artist, winning NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist, APRA Best Pacific Song for ‘Believe’, and the SunPix People’s Choice Award – Best Pacific Artist, showcasing his versatility and heartfelt storytelling. Aaradhna was awarded Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist for her album Sweet Surrender, continuing her legacy as one of the most soulful voices in Pacific music. She also featured on the winning track for the NZ On Air Streaming Award, ‘They Don’t Know’, alongside Savage. The group A.R.T claimed two accolades: FLAVA Best Pacific Group and the NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award for their hit ‘When He Was Mine (Pele Fo’i Mai)’. Brotherhood Musiq took home the 531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist award for their uplifting track “Open The Eyes of My Heart,” while Kenzie from Welly was recognised as ONErpm Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist for her empowering songs ‘Hold Ya Head’ and ‘Queendom’. Sam V continued his winning streak, securing the RNZ Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist award for ‘90’s Fine’ and ‘Rolling Your Eyes’, as well as MPG Aotearoa / SAE Creative Media Institute Best Producer alongside Astro and EDYONTHEBEAT. Lomez Brown was celebrated as Pacificast Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist for his album UNDER-RATED, while The 046 received the NIU FM Best International Pacific Artist award for ‘Music is Everything’, ‘Lifetime’, ‘Young Free & Reckless’, ‘Hustle Hard’ and ‘All In’ from their dynamic catalogue The NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video award went to Tha Movement for ‘The Lecture’, directed by Samson Rambo. Opetaia Foa’i & Moana 2 Artists were recognised with the Pacific Media Network Best Pacific Language award for their culturally rich compositions, and Jordyn with a Why won Recorded Music NZ Te Tino Pukaemi Moana Nui A Kiwa O Te Tau | Best Pacific Music Album for Hibiscus Moon, Love & Justice. The Phillip Fuemana Award – Most Promising Pacific Artist was awarded to Nelz, while the Creative New Zealand Award went posthumously to Chris Ta’aloga Faiumu (MU) for his contributions to Pacific music production, which was accepted by his family on the night The prestigious Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Opetaia Foa’i, honouring his decades of dedication to Pacific music and storytelling. Two special awards were also announced. BLK Entertainment was awarded the Arch Angel Independent Music Award, and DJ K-SWIZZ was celebrated with the Matai Special Recognition Award. Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua, spokesperson for the Pacific Music Awards Trust, says: “The 2025 Pacific Music Awards celebrates our 21st birthday anniversary, taking on responsibilities and new beginnings. We were heartened by the highest number of entries and first-time finalists. We celebrated all of Pacific music. We honoured Opetaia Foa’i, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Samoan global Pasifika music pioneer for over thirty years with Te Vaka and more recently the successful and popular Disney Movie franchise Moana 1 and Moana 2. Opetaia will be presented with the Pacific Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. We acknowledged our history and legacy again fa’afetai lava Chris Ta’aloga Faiumu, DJ Mu and George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso. The 2025 Pacific Music Awards humbly shares our Pacific music families, communities and nations' latest expression of Pacific excellence, navigating Malaga Ola life journeys.” The live performances provided an incredible affirmation of the depth of Pacific music. Before the show the audience enjoyed a set by DJ Al'Goodie and the opening was a surprise tribute to honour the Tuvaluan and Tokelauan heritage of Opetaiai Foa'i, with a performance by Maneanea Dance and Talikilagi Nukunonu. The finalist performers were: Aaradhna, MELODOWNZ, Sam V, Lomez Brown, A.R.T and Myshaan; and as part of the Lifetime Achivement Award presentation we were treated to a special performance by Opetaia & Te Vaka Singers, sharing songs from the Te Vaka catalogue and the Moana and Moana 2 soundtracks. The event also paid tribute to two iconic Pacific artists, George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso and Chris Faiumu, DJ Mu – who recently passed away. The Trust acknowledging it has been an significant time of loss for the Pacific music community. The Pacific Music Awards Trust also confirmed that the songs created through their Hiva Folau Vaka project will be released on a compilation album later this year. This is the legacy project for the Trust and is their contribution to the revitalisation of Pacific languages. The first phase of the project focuses on the languages of Vagahau Niue, Te Gagana Tokelau and Te Reo Maori Kuki Airani; with an incredible group of artists and producers collaborating to create new original songs. The 2025 Pacific Music Awards was a powerful reminder of the strength and beauty of Pacific voices. As the Trust looks ahead, the legacy of these awards continues to inspire the next generation of artists. A full list of winners can be seen below. Photos from the evening will be available here. 2025 Pacific Music Awards winners: Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist
Issued for the Pacific Music Awards by Pead About the Pacific Music Awards In 2004 the Pacific Music Awards Committee (PMAC) was formed to realise a vision and the inaugural Pacific Music Awards debuted at Pasifika Festival in March 2005. Encouraged by the success of the awards the PMAC set about developing an annual event as a significant highlight of the New Zealand music industry calendar. The awards committee formed a Charitable Trust to organise and host the awards, and are driven by a simple core objective: to create and manage an event that acknowledges the success of Pacific artists, celebrates and promotes excellence in Pacific music and encourages young Pacific musicians to aspire to a higher level of achievement. Contact Adam Warin | 021 029 01388 | adam.warin @pead.co.nz  Media release
23 July 2025 Pacific Music Awards Lifetime Achievement awarded to Opetaia Foa’i The Pacific Music Awards Trust is proud to announce the 2025 Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to one of the South Pacific’s most influential cultural and musical ambassadors - Opetaia Foa’i. An artist whose passion for Pacific culture has shaped his music and inspired others, Opetaia Foa’i has spent over three decades championing the stories, languages, and rhythms of the Pacific. As the frontman and founder of the renowned Polynesian band Te Vaka, and a key songwriter for Disney’s Moana and Moana 2, Foa’i has brought the heartbeat of the Pacific to global audiences. Opetaia was born in a Tokelau settlement in a small village called Alamagoto in Samoa, to parents from Tokelau and Tuvalu. Growing up, he was surrounded by traditional rhythms, songs and dances which laid the foundation for his music today. From the outset of his career, Foa’i has been sharing his culture and stories with the world. Over his 30-year career, he hasn’t wavered - consistently writing music in the languages of Tokelau, Tuvalu and Samoa with topics highlighting stories and concerns from his parts of the world. In 1995, Te Vaka was formed by Opetaia Foa’i and quickly gained international acclaim, performing at major festivals across Europe, the US, and the Pacific. Singing in in Tokelauan, Tuvaluan, and Samoan, the band resonated deeply with audiences, celebrating Pacific identity while addressing pressing issues such as climate change, human rights, and cultural preservation. Foa’i’s songwriting brilliance caught the attention of Walt Disney Animation Studios, leading to his collaboration on the Moana soundtrack alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina. His contributions, including the iconic “We Know the Way,” marked a historic moment bringing Pacific languages to the Billboard charts and into the hearts of millions worldwide. Rev Mua, spokesperson for the Pacific Music Awards Trust, says: "The Pacific Music Awards humbly announces Opetaia Foa'i, Tuvalu Tokelau Samoan global Pasifika Music pioneer as the 2025 Pacific Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Recipient”. “For over thirty years, Opetaia has Tautua served musically, locally, nationally and internationally. From, local to global, navigating Pacific languages, cultural identity development and Pasifika. Oceania Climate Change issues.” Throughout his career, Opetaia has received numerous accolades including multiple Pacific Music Awards, New Zealand Music Awards, and international honours including American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. His music has not only entertained but has educated and empowered, giving voice to Pacific stories on the world stage. In 2023, he returned to the Disney scene to contribute to Moana 2, once again collaborating with Te Vaka musicians and vocalists to continue the legacy of Pacific storytelling through song. Opetaia shares “I’m grateful to be honoured with this year's Lifetime Achievement Award”. “It has been a long but fulfilling journey so far taking our Pacific music to the world. In my work I have found great strength in using our Pacific languages and it’s great to see the Pacific Music Awards continuing to uplift and encourage artists to use our languages in their music”. “I hope the younger generations continue to proudly carry the torch for our rich culture” says Opetaia. Now based in Sydney, Australia, with his wife and four children, Opetaia continues to create, inspire, and advocate, currently working on a new Te Vaka album. The Pacific Music Awards will take place at on Thursday 21st August 2025, at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau. To listen to all the nominees, here’s the official PMA 2025 Finalist Playlist. Tickets for the 2025 Pacific Music Awards are available for purchase through Eventfinda: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/2025-pacific-music-awards/auckland/manukau-city The 2025 Pacific Music awards will be live streamed by Tagata Pasifika on TP+ (tpplus.co.nz). For more information: https://www.pacificmusicawards.org.nz/ ENDS Issued for the Pacific Music Awards by Pead Media Imagery can be found here. About the Pacific Music Awards In 2004 the Pacific Music Awards Committee (PMAC) was formed to realise a vision and the inaugural Pacific Music Awards debuted at Pasifika Festival in March 2005. Encouraged by the success of the awards the PMAC set about developing an annual event as a significant highlight of the New Zealand music industry calendar. The awards committee formed a Charitable Trust to organise and host the awards, and are driven by a simple core objective: to create and manage an event that acknowledges the success of Pacific artists, celebrates and promotes excellence in Pacific music and encourages young Pacific musicians to aspire to a higher level of achievement. Contact Adam Warin | 021 029 01388 | [email protected] |
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