House music

Receiving their finalist certificates for the S3 Pacific Music Awards from Manukau mayor Len Brown, was significant for Rob Pome'e and his band, Three Houses Down. Mr Brown was the Pome'e family's lawyer in the 1980s and helped them get New Zealand residency. "When we got back and told my dad about it (reaching the finals), he was a bit emotional. No words can explain the opportunity that Len has given us to get to where we are now." Mr Brown was also impressed: "It was awesome to see how they've progressed and are excelling, having not seen the kids for years." Three Houses Down is also nominated for three awards. The reggae influenced band is a finalist for its debut album, Dreadtown, in the S3 Best Pacific Music Album and in the Radio 531pi Best Pacific Group categories. One track, Dandyman, is finalist for the APRA Best Pacific Song Award. The band's name comes from moving their studio three houses along. The 11-piece lineup includes Rob's brothers, Sione and Charlie, Peni and Liva Tapueluelu, Saia Manu, uncle Lisiate Langi, cousin Vinnie Brbich, Nora Pange, Clayton Holloway and Tala Niko.
S3 Pacific Music Awards, TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, May 31. See www.ticketdirect.co.nz for more details. To vote in the People's Choice Award, see www.pacificmusicawards.org.nz