This year's Best International Pacific Artist award went to to Samoan neo-soul singer Maryanne Ito for Waking Up. Ito, who is based in Hawaii, writes all of her own material and has worked alongside top producers and musicians to create timeless songs. Waking Up reached number four in the official UK soul chart.
The Best Pacific Language Recording award was handed to South Auckland's Word of Life Choir for Toele I La'u Auaunaga. Known for its rich sound and talented soloists, the choir consists of more than 80 members between the ages of three and 75 years, while The Radio Airplay award was presented to Brooke Fraser for Kings & Queens. Fraser has been a regular on NZ airways since her 2003 album What To Do With Daylight and her latest album Brutal Romantic is a change of tune from her previous work, but has been warmly received by critics and fans.
The People's Choice Award went to Three Houses Down, which was determined solely by public vote, and Donell Lewis received the Phillip Fuemana Award for Most Promising Pacific Artist. The 19 year old South Auckland artist is credited with the talent and drive to become a household name and is currently working on his first studio album.
Pacific Music Awards Trust chairperson Rev. Mua Stickson-Pua says this year's winners show the strength and variety of talent that the Pacific Music community holds.
"Our Pacific artists are permanent fixtures on the New Zealand airwaves. Well-known artists such as Erakah, Cydel and Smashproof are leading the way for the next generation of Pacific talent, people such as Donell Lewis."
Herbs were recognised with the Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award for success and influence during the past 36 years. The reggae group was acknowledged for their debut release EP Whats' Be Happen? and Light of the Pacific. Both provided a confronting commentary on the political landscape at the time, particularly the Springbok Tour. The band is considered to be a pioneer of Pacific reggae, having paved the way for other top artists including Three Houses Down who performed a surprise musical tribute to the group at the awards ceremony this evening.
Operatic trio Sol3 Mio also received a special recognition award for their incredible domestic and international success. Samoan brothers Pene Pati, Amitai Pati and their cousin Moses Mackay's self-titled album has gone platinum seven times, and they continue to tour locally and internationally.
"Sol3 Mio's triumphant story shows that Pacific artists can achieve worldwide success, and in doing so, share the sound of our people and our nation," Rev. Pua said.
"The Pacific Music Awards winners highlight the thriving and vibrant Pacific music scene we have in New Zealand. We have a diverse line up this year, from successful and experienced artists to new arrivals who will continue our traditions and the legacy of Pacific artists before them. Congratulations to all of this year's winners."
