Pacific Music Awards 2020 Finalists announced

Church & AP lead the race with four nominations

The finalists for the 2020 Pacific Music Awards have been announced. Breakthrough rappers Church & AP lead the race collecting four nominations, including for Best Pacific Music Album.

The road to victory won't be easy for the duo however as this year there was a record number of entries, resulting in 24 finalists across 13 categories. This has resulted in a first for the awards with Polynesian heavy metal band Shepherds Reign being nominated in three categories, including Best Group and Best Song.

In a statement Pacific Music Awards Trust spokesperson Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua said that the impact of covid-19 had been felt, but it was important the awards went ahead.

"We acknowledge our traditional role and contribution to uplift the spirit and well-being of our people," he said.

Strickson-Pua also said the Awards Trust would be investigating the, 'technology opportunities' for presenting the awards.

The full list of finalists for the Pacific Music Awards is below:

Best Pacific Female Artist:
Bella Kalolo
Lou'ana
Olivia Foa'i

Best Pacific Male Artist
Lepani
Noah Slee
Poetik

Best Pacific Group
Church & AP
Shepherds Reign
Tomorrow People

Best Pacific Music Album
Church & AP - Teeth
Olivia Foa'I - Candid
POETIK – HAMOFIED 2 EP

Best Pacific Music Video
Disciple Pati - The Boy Who Cried Woman
Lou'ana- Eye To Eye
SWIDT - Bunga

Best Pacific Song:
General Fiyah - It's You feat. Three Houses Down
Lani Alo - Alo I Ou Faiva
Shepherds Reign – Le Manu

Best Pacific Language
Lani Alo - Alo I Ou Faiva
Olivia Foa'i - Candid
Punialava'a – Sili'aga I Fa'atufugaga, Beyond Our Stories
Shepherds Reign – Le Manu

Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist:
Church & AP
Melodownz
poetik

Best Pacific Soul/R&B Artist:
Jordan Gavet
Lepani
Lou'ana
Noah Slee

Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist:
General Fiyah
Lomez Brown
Raggadat Cris
Tomorrow People

Best Pacific Gospel Artist:
Lani Alo
Punialava'a
JXN

Best International Pacific Artist:
HP Boyz
Josh Tatofi
Kaiit

Best Producer
Church & AP - Teeth
Kings - Hit That
Mikey Mayz - Wild People
Olivia Foa'i - Candid