On Thursday, August 29, the Pacific Music Awards celebrated its remarkable 20th anniversary! Twenty years of honoring Pacific music and artists—what an incredible milestone! The event took place in Auckland, New Zealand, at the Due Drop Events Centre, marking two decades of celebrating excellence in Pacific music. The Pacific Music Awards is an annual ceremony dedicated to recognizing outstanding Pacific musicians and artists. Reaching this 20-year milestone is a testament to the growth and significance of the Pacific music community.
To commemorate this special anniversary, the Pacific Music Awards Trust, through their Tautua Programme, will be hosting events throughout the year in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. These events aim to celebrate and connect with communities across Aotearoa. Additionally, the Trust has exciting plans for a signature music project that will support the creation of new, original songs in Pacific languages.
A huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2024 Pacific Music Awards! We also want to give a special shoutout to everyone involved in bringing this monumental event to life. We are thrilled to see Pasifika artists and music continue to thrive, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds! Here’s to more amazing music, projects, and celebrations until the next one!
2024 Pacific Music Awards Winners:
(Thanks to RNZ for compiling this list)
- Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist: Aaradhna for She
- NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist: Diggy Dupé for We The City
- Flava Best Pacific Group: SWIDT for Youphoria feat. High Hoops, Burn One feat. Stallyano, Hocus Pocus, Not 4 Sale
- 531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist: Signature Choir Mana Moana
- Matai Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist: Diggy Dupé for We The City
- Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist: Sam V for You Left Your Things Here
- Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist: Unity Pacific for Integrity
- Niu FM Best International Pacific Artist: Josh Tatofi for Ouana, Why Worry, Storms Never Last, Fakateretere, I Jus Want Ya, I’m Gonna Love You, Tears On My Pillow
- MPGNZ / SAE Creative Media Institute Best Producer: Haz Beats for Brunette EP (Haz & Miloux), Run It Back (Home Brew)
- NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video: Aaradhna for She, Director: Anahera Parata
- APRA Best Pacific Song: Aaradhna for She, Writer: Aaradhna Patel
- SunPix Best Pacific Language: Shepherds Reign for Ala Mai
- Recorded Music NZ Te Tino Pukaemi Moana Nui A Kiwa o Te Tau | Best Pacific Music Album: Shepherds Reign for Ala Mai
- SunPix People’s Choice Award – Best Pacific Artist: Shane Walker
- NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award: Jordan Gavet for He Said
- NZ On Air Streaming Award: Savage feat. Aaradhna for They Don’t Know
- Phillip Fuemana Award – Most Promising Pacific Artist: MITI
- Creative New Zealand Award: Noa Records
- Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award: Teremoana Rapley
- Arch Angel Independent Music Award: Aaron Strickland – Astro
Thank you, RNZ, for compiling the list, and congratulations again to all the winners! We’re excited for what’s next!
