'Sounds of the Moana' podcast series wins Gold at the prestigious New York Festivals Radio Awards

Cover photo - Ma’ara Maeva and Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava during the recording of 'Sounds of the Moana'

Coco congrats to the SOUNZ podcast series 'Sounds of the Moana' which has won Gold (the highest category award) at the prestigious New York Festivals Radio Awards (NYFRA).

Entries for this year's awards were received from over 30 countries and some of the global broadcasters shortlisted include BBC, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, CBS News Radio, NBC News, RTÉ Ireland, Deutsche Welle (DW), Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and Mediacorp. 

Hon Carmel Sepuloni, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, says, “Malo lava and a big congratulations to SOUNZ and the ‘Sounds of the Moana’ podcast team for receiving the Gold award at the 2022 New York Festivals Radio Awards. I’m proud that the stories of Moana-Nui-ā-Kiwa and its vibrant history of indigenous sounds have been recognised internationally for its unique beauty. This is an exceptional feat and a big win for our Pacific whānau.”

Gold has not been awarded in the ‘Music Podcast’ category in at least the previous two years, making this a rare win.

The two-episode podcast series ‘Sounds of the Moana’ explores the indigenous sound of Moana-Nui-ā-Kiwa (Oceania) and asks how this musical identity can be kept alive today. 

Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava, podcast Host and Co-Producer, says, “It’s gratifying to witness our stories finding a home in the wider world’s value vault. After all, our representation to the world has been ‘his-tory’ — this acknowledgment, however, validates and affirms the uniqueness and significance of ‘OUR-story’. Long may they captivate.”

To listen to ‘Sounds of the Moana’, visit: https://news.sounz.org.nz/sounds-of-the-moana

The production team for ‘Sounds of the Moana’ included: Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava (Host and Producer), Sophie Yana Wilson (Producer), Diana Marsh, Tiumalu Noma Sio-Faiumu and Leoné Venter (Executive Producers), Phil Brownlee (Sound Engineer), Roger Smith (Production Assistance), Kirsten Johnstone (Script Adviser), Jonathan Engle, Alpana Chovhan, Nina Lesperance and Kelly Mata (Production Assistance).

‘Sounds of the Moana’ podcast guests included: Hūfanga-He-Ako-Moe-Lotu Dr. ‘Okusitino Mahina, Rita Seumanutafa, Leuga Ape Taua’ana Ata Sofara, Ma’ara Maeva, Anonymouz (aka Faiumu Matthew Salapu) and John Kiria.

SOUNZ is currently in the process of implementing its SOUNZ Moana Pacific Peoples Musics Strategy, the first music strategy in Aotearoa for Moana Pacific peoples.