Ardijah and Tha Feelstyle top list of finalists

With three nods each, South Auckland funk-soul band Ardijah and Wellington-based Samoan rapper Tha Feelstyle top the list of finalists for the inaugural Pacific Music Awards.

They will be announced at the Friday event that launches Saturday's free Pasifika Festival at Western Springs Reserve and the adjacent stadium.

Other multiple finalists are crooners Adeaze, rapper Scribe and hip-hop's Dei Hamo with two nominations each.

Also among the finalists are Anna Williams, Kat Theo and Sara-Jane, D1 Family, Aniseto Falemoe and Ephraim.

NZ Idol finalist to take stage

New Zealand Idol finalist Sela Mahe - the fiancee of winner Ben Lummis - performs at Pasifika's opening event on Friday. She is on at 8.45pm.

She is also appearing on the children's stage on Saturday. Lummis is apparently out of the country.