 Media release 23 June 2026 Pacific Music Awards celebrates 22 years as finalists announced for 2026 A.R.T and Sam V lead the way with five PMA nominations The finalists for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards were announced last night at the Mangere Arts Centre. This year, 33 artists have been recognised as finalists across 13 categories, highlighting the depth and diversity of Pacific music talent in Aotearoa and across the Moana. Leading the pack with five nominations are A.R.T and Sam V. A.R.T, the Porirua trio, is nominated for FLAVA Best Pacific Group, Pacific Media Network Best Pacific Language, Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist, NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video for ‘Over Now’, directed by Michael Hunt, and Recorded Music NZ Te Tino Pukaemi Moana Nui a Kiwa o te Tau | Best Pacific Music Album for Blank Canvas. The group released their Nana’s Garage EP, followed by Blank Canvas EP, marking a new chapter in their sound and building on the momentum of their 2024 breakout singles ‘When He Was Mine’ and ‘Easy’. RnB singer Sam V is nominated for NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist, Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist, APRA Best Pacific Song for ‘Small Taste’, Recorded Music NZ Te Tino Pukaemi Moana Nui a Kiwa o te Tau | Best Pacific Music Album for Take A Chance On V: Deluxe, and MPG Aotearoa/SAE Creative Media Institute Best Producer along with EDY and Astro. The Auckland artist's nostalgic take on contemporary RnB has earned him a growing following, with Take A Chance On V: Deluxe following a busy year of touring across New Zealand and Australia. Hip hop heavyweight Scribe has four nominations for NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist, ONErpm Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist, APRA Best Pacific Song for ‘Glowstick’, and Recorded Music NZ Te Tino Pukaemi Moana Nui a Kiwa o te Tau | Best Pacific Music Album for Scribe is Dead. Ladi6 also returns to the Pacific Music Awards with four nominations for Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist, Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist, and Recorded Music NZ Te Tino Pukaemi Moana Nui a Kiwa o te Tau | Best Pacific Music Album for Le Vā. The producers of her album are also nominated this year. Le Vā explores themes of legacy, loss and renewal, with Ladi6 describing it as exploring “the space between – between life and death, between who I was and who I’m becoming.” Receiving three nominations this year are Iva Lamkum, Junior Soqeta, Tree, and Three Houses Down. Iva Lamkum is nominated for Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist, APRA Best Pacific Song for ‘Don't Mind If I Do’, and NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video for ‘Don't Mind If I Do’, directed by David Truasheim. Junior Soqeta receives three nods for NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist, Pacific Media Network Best Pacific Language, and Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist. Tree is nominated in the Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist, Pacific Media Network Best Pacific Language and 531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist categories for The Rose Era. Three Houses Down receives three nominations for FLAVA Best Pacific Group, Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist for their Lovers Roots EP and NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video for ‘Turn Around’. Other finalists this year include Kenzie From Welly (Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist, ONErpm Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist), MELODOWNZ (NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist, ONErpm Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist), Brotherhood Musiq (FLAVA Best Pacific Group, 531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist), Signature Choir (FLAVA Best Pacific Group, 531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist), Island Vibes (Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist, APRA Best Pacific Song), Lepani (NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist, APRA Best Pacific Song), Diggy Dupé & choicevaughan (ONErpm Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist), Myshaan (Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist), Shane Walker (Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist), Brandn Shiraz (NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video), Shepherds Reign (NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video), Vallé (NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video), GLEN JXN JACKSON (Pacific Media Network Best Pacific Language), Taonepuna Lakatani, Malcolm Lakatani & Pacific Kids Learning (Pacific Media Network Best Pacific Language), Punialava'a (531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist), and Village 90 (FLAVA Best Pacific Group). There are also four nominees for MPG Aotearoa/SAE Creative Media Institute Best Producer, including Brent Park-Tamati and Brandon Haru for ‘Le Vā’ by Ladi6, EDY, Astro, and Sam V for ‘Take A Chance On V: Deluxe’ by Sam V, Josh Fountain for ‘Don't Mind If I Do’ by Iva Lamkum, and Nathan Judd for ‘Disco Witch’ by LOU'ANA. This year’s Niu FM Best International Pacific Artist finalists represent music from around the globe, with finalists Jaro Local, etu, JAHBOY, Wameblood and the late Fiji. Finally, the finalists for NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video are Brandn Shiraz (‘Youngin from Kuki II’, directed by Esther Mauga), Shepherds Reign (‘Samoa Mo Samoa’, directed by Twayne Laumua), Vallé (‘Hold Me’, directed by John Ross), A.R.T (‘Over Now’, directed by Michael Hunt), Iva Lamkum (‘Don't Mind If I Do’, directed by David Truasheim), and Three Houses Down (‘Turn Around’, directed by Three Houses Down). Pacific Music Awards Trust spokesperson Rev Mua Strickson-Pua said: “The Pacific Music Awards Trust are committed to celebrating and bringing together our Pacific music community. We recognise this significant moment in time, where we can announce and celebrate the 2026 finalists. “We also acknowledge the village that comes with each artist and thank everyone who has contributed to their music journey. It’s a challenging time for our communities and for our awards event. “With each step of the process, it is our artists and their music that inspires and motivate us to keep going. We encourage everyone to get behind the finalists and their music, and to journey with us as we build towards the 2026 Pacific Music Awards celebration on 12 August.” The SunPix People’s Choice Award voting is open now, and all artists nominated for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards are eligible. The winner will be decided entirely by public vote, which can be cast through the voting poll on the PMA website. Voting will close on Wednesday 22 July. To listen to all the nominees, here’s the official PMA 2026 Finalist Playlist.[LC2] [KT3] This year’s Pacific Music Award winners will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 12, at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau. 2026 Pacific Music Awards finalists: Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist
For more information: https://www.pacificmusicawards.org.nz/ ENDS 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 | [email protected]
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 2026 Pacific Music Awards Announced and Nominations Open
Media release: 11 March 2026 On the anniversary of the inaugural awards, the Pacific Music Awards Trust proudly opens entries and announces the date for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards. The awards ceremony celebrates current artists, honours history and looks to the future of Pacific music. This is our collective celebration, dedicated to the incredible Pacific music community. The 2026 Pacific Music Awards will be held on Wednesday 12 August, at the Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau, Auckland. Nominations for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards are now open to all Pacific artists across Aotearoa and the world, who released music in 2025. Local Pacific artists, i.e. New Zealand citizens/residents, can be nominated for all the entered award categories except for the Best International Pacific Artist Award, which is open to Pacific artists from overseas. Singles, EPs or albums that have been released between 1 January – 31 December 2025, are eligible for entry. All nominations need to be submitted online through the official entry system, with the deadline being 5pm, Friday 17 April 2026 For more details, including the 2026 PMA Terms & Conditions of Entry, please go to the Entries page on the website (https://www.pacificmusicawards.org.nz/entries-2026.html) The entered categories for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards are confirmed as follows: Best Pacific Female Artist, Best Pacific Male Artist, Best Pacific Group, Best Pacific Gospel Artist. Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist, Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist, Best Pacific Roots/ Reggae Artist, Best Pacific Language, Best Pacific Song, Best Pacific Music Video, Best Producer, Best International Pacific Artist and Best Pacific Music Album (Aotearoa Music Award). The Trust will also continue to work on the Tautua Programme, providing advocacy and support for the Pacific music community – and will share more music and content from the Hiva Folau Vaka project, which aims to contribute to language revitalisation through music. We look forward to receiving all the nominations and to working on the plans for the Pacific Music Awards and the year ahead. Issued by the Pacific Music Awards Trust For any questions about the Pacific Music Awards or the nomination process for entries, please contact the Trust on: [email protected]  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  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 |
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