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PACIFIC MUSIC AWARDS 2022

It's the biggest celebration of Pacific Music in Aotearoa and the live event returned for the first time in two years.

There were 26 finalists in total with a mix of new musicians debuting music, established music artists, Pacific industry icons and everything in between.

This year iconic Samoan singer-songwriter Fa'anana Jerome Grey was honoured with the Pacific Music Awards Lifetime Achievement award and there was a new Creative New Zealand award.

We've got all the winners and some of your fave artists on the red carpet for you below - 

Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air 

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Don & Lui

Niu FM – Pacific Media Network recognised with a Ministry for Pacific Peoples Special recognition award.

Pictured here - CEO for Pacific Media Network Don Mann & Niu FM Programme Director Lui Vilisoni 

Lil Bubblegum

The inaugural Arch Angel Independent Artist Award was presented to lilbubblegum to support his burgeoning career, after his breakout hit ‘af1s’ went viral last year - reaching over 20 million Spotify
streams.

Shepherds Reign

Receiving the first Creative New Zealand Awards are Shepherds Reign, recognising their contributions to the Pacific music scene and to help further the impact of their art.

Shepherds Reign X Caren Rangi

Shepherds Reign with chair of the Arts Council of New Zealand, Caren Rangi 

Brotha D, Jarna & Tony Fuemana

Newcomer Jarna was awarded the Phillip Fuemana Award for Most Promising Pacific Artist, pictured here with Brotha D and Tony Fuemana.

Lisi

Lisi wins 'Best International Pacific Artist' 

Morning Shack & Lisi

Niu FM's Morning Shack - The Western Guide, Tim Dennis & Regan Foa'i with Niu Fm's Best International Pacific Artist 

SWIDT & Lomez Brown

Onehunga-based hip hop crew SWIDT took out three awards for Flava Best Pacific Group, Base FM & Island Base Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist

SWIDT & Lomez Brown

SWIDT also took out APRA Best Pacific Song for ‘Kelz Garage’, written by Daniel Latu, Amon McGoram, Isaiah Libeau, Lomez Brown (pictured on the far right), and Samuel Verlinden.

Diggy Dupe & Choice Vaughan

For their work on The Panthers OST, Diggy Dupé, choicevaughan & P. Smith were recognised with the MPG/SAE Best Producer award. 

Furthermore, the song ‘Ain't The Same’ featuring Melodownz & Summer Vaha'akolo won NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video and was directed by Tom Hern and Timēna Apa.

Kings

Kings was named for NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist, and received both the NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award and NZ On Air Streaming Award for his track ‘Help Me Out’ featuring Sons of Zion.

Grey aiga

Members of the Grey aiga in Aotearoa who accepted the 2022 Lifetime achievement award on behalf of Fa’anana Jerome Grey 

Brotherhood Musiq & Resonate

Grey’s iconic song ‘We Are Samoa’ became the unofficial anthem of the country, and his legacy was celebrated through a tribute performance by Brotherhood Musiq and Resonate.

Anthem

Anthem were recognised with 531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist pictured above with Inangaro Vaka'afi and Tofiga Fepulea'i who presented their award from 531 PI.

Tomorrow People

Barbecue favourites Tomorrow People were honoured with One Love Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist as well as the Recorded Music Te Pukaemi Toa o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa | Best Pacific Music Album for their album 21.

Kas

Kas Futialo aka Tha Feelstyle  received the award for SunPix Best Pacific Language for the album Grandmasta Kas.

Samson Squad

Sibling outfit Samson Squad were the crowd favourites, taking out SunPix People’s Choice Award for Best Pacific Artist

Sam V

Sam V was awarded Best Pacific Soul/RnB artist 

Emily Muli

Emily Muli won Best Pacific Female Artist 

Kings

Kings - NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist

Kings & Carmel

Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni with Kings

The Morning Shack

The Morning Shack 

HOM

House of Misfits

S&L

Foyer performance by Selina & Luci 

Brotha D

Brotha D, TJ Taotua, Davy Fa'apito and friends 

Neezy

Chong Nee & partner

Sefa Enari & Tupe Lualua

Sefa Enari & Tupe Lualua

Valle & friend

Valle & friend

Tigilau Ness & friend

Tigilau Ness & friend

Creative Arts NZ Pacific team

Creative Arts NZ Pacific team

Ibanez

Ebeneez

Ibanez & Leon Henry

Ebeneez & Leon Henry

Samson Squad

Samson Squad

Giant Killa, Davy Faapito, Groove House/Cydel and friends

Giant Killa, Davy Faapito, Groove House/Cydel and friends

Cydel's Nili and son

Cydel's Nili and son

The Western Guide & friend

The Western Guide & friend

Poetik

Poetik

Lani Alo & family

Lani Alo & family

Lisi & Ezra James

Lisi & Ezra James

Harry Crichton, Lawd Lance, Christian Brown and Josh Auina

Harry Crichton, Lawd Lance, Christian Brown and Josh Auina

Harry, Lisi, Lawd Lance, Ezra James, Christian Brown & Josh Auina

Harry, Lisi, Lawd Lance, Ezra James, Christian Brown & Josh Auina

Harry, Lisi, Lawd Lance, Ezra James, Christian Brown & Josh Auina

Harry, Lisi, Lawd Lance, Ezra James, Christian Brown & Josh Auina

Feelstyle & friend

Feelstyle & friend

Queen Shirl'e, K-Lee & Ezra Williams

Queen Shirl'e, K-Lee & Ezra Williams

Chong Nee & friends

Chong Nee & friends

Queen Shirl'e & Josephine Bartley

Queen Shirl'e & Josephine Bartley

SWIDT

SWIDT

Diggy Dupe & Aliska

Diggy Dupe & Aliska

Harry Toleafoa, Fasitua Amosa, Josephine Bartley & Efeso Collins

Harry Toleafoa, Fasitua Amosa, Josephine Bartley & Efeso Collins

Mo. Etc and friends

Mo. Etc and friends

Evile Laloata and friends (Anthem)

Evile Laloata and friends (Anthem)

Tree, Swiss, Poetik, Bass685 and friends

Tree, Swiss, Poetik, Bass685 and friends

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