​Auckland brothers Nainz and Viiz Tupa’i, otherwise known as R&B/Soul group Adeaze, have taken three of the four awards they were nominated for at the Pacific Music Awards in Manukau tonight (May 31).

​The duo’s self-released 2011 album ‘Rise And Shine’ earned them the accolades of Niu FM Best Pacific Urban Artist, Radio 531PI Best Pacific Group and APRA Best Pacific Song for ‘Paradise’.

The only other artist to take home more than one award was Kas Futialo who’s album ‘Good Morning Samoa’ got the nod for Tangata Pasifika Best Pacific Language Award and Best Pacific Music Album.

Hip-Hop heavy-weight David Dallas won his first PMA with the NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist for his 2011 album ‘The Rose Tint’, depriving Adeaze of a clean sweep.

In the night’s other big solo award, the velvety voice of Wellington-based music veteran Bella Kalolo saw her take home the Nautilus Foundation Best Pacific Female Artist award for her 2011 album ‘Without The Paper’. It was Kalolo’s first win after three successive nominations for Best Pacific Female Artist.

Other winners on Pacific music’s biggest night were:

Best Pacific Gospel Album – Mutalau Ululauta Matahefonua Trust Choir for ‘‘LologoTapuTokiofa Mutalau – Niue Taofi Lologo 5’
NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award – Brooke Fraser for ‘Betty’
Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award – The Keil Isles
Phillip Fuemana Award, Most Promising Artist – GiantKilla
Auckland Council People’s Choice Award - Ria

Pacific Music Awards Trust chairperson Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua says The Pacific Music Awards are a celebration of Pacific music and culture.
“Like the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, this year’s awards show the diversity of nations that all contribute to our Pacific Music awareness. They continue that navigational pioneering tradition of breaking new seas, new grounds firmly connected with our people our nations."
“Artists from our various Pacific nations were celebrated at the awards and the music fans who attended tonight were treated to an amazing showcase of Hip-Hop, Soul, R&B and Pacific language music too.”
“We proudly honour the achievements and excellence of our Pacific music artists and acknowledge their significant contribution to the New Zealand music industry and their Pacific communities.”

Recording Industry Association of New Zealand managing director Chris Caddick says the Pacific Music Awards continue to go from strength to strength.
“This is the eighth year the industry has gathered to recognise excellence within our Pacific community. It’s immensely satisfying to see the continued development and emergence of talent that comes through each year. The diversity in musical styles and performance is as diverse as the Pacific community itself.”
“Thank you to all of the nominees and winners for being such fantastic ambassadors for New Zealand and Pacific music.”

Tonight the audience was treated to dynamic live performances by both established and rising Pacific music stars including Adeaze, David Dallas, Kas Futialo, 2PouzFynist and MzJ.

A special collaborative performance led by Malcolm Lakatani also paid tribute to the 2012 Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award winners the Kiel Isles.

The eighth annual Pacific Music Awards were announced at Manukau City’s TelstraClear Pacific Centre to celebrate Pacific music and artists. Promoting excellence in Pacific music and encourage young Pacific musicians to aim high.


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Issued for the Pacific Music Awards Trust by Pead PR

Contacts:

PMAT Spokesperson, Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua, 
Tel: 0-9-377 7782, Mob: 021 141 8798
Email: [email protected]

PMAT Contact, Petrina George, 
Tel: 0-9-623 4717, Mob: 027 245 1898,
Email: [email protected]

Greg Hay, Pead PR, Tel: 0-9-918 5576; Mob: 021 545054,
Email: [email protected]

The Pacific Music Awards Trust are extending their celebration of Pacific music, by working with the Raggamuffin Festival. On Thursday 31 May two major events celebrating Pacific music will be held at the TelstraClear Events Centre – the 2012 Pacific Music Awards and the "Raggamuffin Roadtrip" concert.

The Pacific Music Awards Trust and the Raggamuffin Festival are working together to co-ordinate these events and to ensure they complement each other on 31 May. Both will feature the best Pacific music talent from New Zealand and around the world.

This is the beginning of a potentially long term relationship between the Pacific Music Awards and the Raggamuffin Festival. Key outcomes of this relationship will be the continued acknowledgment and support for Pacific music, recognition for the success of Pacific music artists both locally and overseas; and performance opportunities for Pacific music artists.

The Pacific Music Awards will bring together the best Pacific music talent. This year the performers include David Dallas, Adeaze, Kas Futialo, 2PouzFynist and MzJ – representing the 2012 finalists. There will a special collaboration to pay tribute to the 2012 recipient for the Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be led by Malcolm Lakatani. Throughout the night guests can also expect a few surprise performances and appearances.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticket Direct – with adult tickets available for $30

(ph: 0800 224 224, Please note a booking fee may apply).