Best Pacific Music Video Finalists Celebrated
The 2025 Pacific Music Awards are nearly here—and the excitement has already begun. Last night, finalists were revealed in a packed ceremony at the Māngere Arts Centre, where Pacific creatives gathered to celebrate the growing legacy of our music and stories.
This year marks the 21st anniversary of the awards, with a record-breaking 34 finalists named across 13 categories. Among them are 15 first-time nominees, reflecting the rising wave of new Pacific talent across Aotearoa.
One of the exciting categories is the NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video, where five bold and beautifully crafted visuals have made the final cut:
This category is a chance to shine a light on the visual expressions of our talented musicians, but also the Pasfiika directors who have brought this vision to life:
For director Samson Rambo, The Lecture was always about more than a music video.
“For me, The Lecture was always about creating a cultural impact that future generations. The team we brought together understood the assignment, it wasn’t just about visuals, it was about purpose.”
“As a director, my goal was to translate Tha Movement’s lyrics and the story of a father and son into something cinematic, something that reflects what so many of our men are going through right now. We need more spaces where men are stepping up, healing, and bridging the gap between generations and I think The Lecture speaks to that.”
“The crazy part is how far it’s travelled. It’s being studied in high schools… even in lecture rooms at Harvard. To me, that’s the power of our stories. That’s the power of our Pasifika music videos when done with alofas.”
“So to be nominated for this year’s Best Pacific Music Video award, I’m just grateful to my Lecture crew and the big uso (Tha Movement) for trusting me with this project. And to see my friends also nominated in the same category? That’s a bonus! It’s a full-circle moment not just for me, but for all of us Pasifika directors out here trying to push the culture forward by creating art.”
Mario Faumui, who directed Mavehe with Ben Mikha as DOP, reflected on the unplanned and spiritual process of filming in Niue.
“Mavehe was some of the crew’s introduction to the magical island of Niue. We didn’t plan anything that made the final cut, we arrived on the island and Haanz showed us around some of the landmarks that were significant to his upbringing on the island. The rocky landscapes spoke and we just listened.”
“Filming in the Pacific is always a spiritual realignment with the land, the water and the past. It is a reclamation of our Mother’s tongue. The young generation of Pacific diaspora often feel so far from it but Haanz reminds us, it’s right there whenever you want to take hold of it. It’s already yours. And that’s on abseiling down Talava with 20kg bags of camera gear”
Esther Mauga, director of Bottom of the Bed, shared her vision behind the video and how it celebrates a uniquely Pasifika kind of romance.
“I love our unabashed island love songs & also sad country. TheWesternGuide merges the two beautifully and so to be able to create a visual for it was a dream!”
“The video was heavy leaning into the melodrama of an unrequited love… the sweeping jib shots, the longing glances, the lovers standoff at the end.”
“It’s fun, it’s camp, and it was important to me in this time to celebrate our love and our lovers.”
“Even the fact the whole thing is filmed in Papatoetoe and made by our tagata moana creative community—that comes through in the choices in art department, the costuming, the locations, the hair & makeup.”
Samoan Heavy Metal band have secured a finalist spot for their music video Ala Mai
Ala Mai (Awaken) is a powerful call to unity and ancestral strength. “A call to our forefathers for strength and guidance—not as Samoans but Polynesia entirely—as we travel around to different countries making our mark.”
“The many obstacles that will stand before us… we believe with the help of our ancestors our stories will be heard.”
“Peace will be brought onto the world. Especially with how time has changed and the many difficulties we face all over the globe.”
Also nominated is Aaradhna, whose soulful track Mango Tree, directed by Prasenjit Das, has earned her a spot in this year’s Best Pacific Music Video category. She shares the top finalist count with Shane Walker, who is also up for four awards.
The Pacific Music Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 21 August 2025 at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau. With this year’s Best Pacific Music Video finalists, it’s clear that when Pacific stories are told with intention and heart, they carry far beyond the screen.
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By Tikilounge Productions & Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa
Arts & Culture Journalist Destiny Momoiseā