Baby Joe: Carrying Tongan Language Through Music
You may have first stumbled across him on social media, or maybe one of his hooks has already lodged itself in your head, “Baby Lea Mai AA” or “Ta’ahine Ofa Atu.” Either way, there’s no mistaking his sound. Catchy. Feel-good. And, most importantly, rooted in language. Meet Baby Joe, an up-and-coming artist making waves not […]
“Take Me Home”: Molo Try’s Musical Prayer from the Heart of Tonga
Artist: Molo Try Villages in Tonga: Pahu, Halafo’ou (Tahi Mate) Favorite Tongan Proverb: ‘Akau Tu’u Ve’e Hala Where are you currently based: Riverside, California Go-To Tongan dishes: Kolukalu (totoka and ma’anu) & Lu Sipi If you had to describe the journey of making this song and video (Take Me Home) in three words, what would […]
“E So’o Le Fau i le Fau”: When Nonosina and Pacific Connection Wove Vines of Unity Between Anaheim and Aotearoa
On a warm Friday evening in Anaheim, California, something quietly extraordinary unfolded. Beneath the lights of The Grove of Anaheim, two Pacific powerhouses, Nonosina Polynesia, a legendary Southern California dance group, and Pacific Connection Choir, an acclaimed vocal group from Wellington, New Zealand met in a moment of sincere cultural exchange. It wasn’t a concert. […]
TAIOJR: San Diego Polynesian Rapper Unifying the Community Through Music
TaioJr, a Samoan rapper from sunny San Diego who is using music to help unify his community. TaioJr is a rising talent who has been releasing music since 2021. He is about 7 albums deep and with each drop there has been nothing but banger after banger. If you grew up on West Coast music […]
Island Vibes Funk: Crafting Grooves, Telling Stories, and Building Legacy
In the heart of Auckland, New Zealand, where the great pulse of Polynesian culture meets the infectious rhythms of funk, a unique musical family thrives. Island Vibes Funk isn’t just a band; it’s a collective of nine souls woven together by shared heritage, deep friendships, and an unyielding passion for creating music that moves both […]
Kaseki Celebrates Samoan Language Week with New Rendition of “Fa’anoa E”
In celebration of Samoan Language Week, Kaseki has released their soulful rendition of the beloved classic “Fa’anoa E.” The timing couldn’t be more meaningful, this year marks five years since Kaseki was first formed in 2020, during this very week dedicated to honoring our gagana and cultural identity. What started as a simple idea has […]
“I’m Not Who I Am Without Santa Ana”: Jay Taj Honored in His Hometown for Transformational Impact on Community
In a room filled with love, legacy, and the echoes of a city’s heartbeat, the City of Santa Ana honored one of its own, Jay Taj, with a Certificate of Recognition, celebrating his outstanding contributions not only as a hip-hop artist and masterful storyteller but as a son of the city who never stopped showing […]
POV: You may not have grown up in Samoa, but chances are you know these classic songs without a doubt
Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā : A well-grounded self, is a successful self. (2025 theme) Manuia le Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa, Happy Samoa Language Week! This year’s theme reminds us of the importance of being deeply rooted in who we are, because from that grounding comes strength, success, and identity. While this […]
Inside the Room: Where Our Stories Were Heard, AANHPI Songwriting Camp with Mono Stereo Groove
In mid-May, in the heart of Los Angeles, something powerful unfolded behind studio doors, something that went far beyond beats, melodies, or even the music itself. Mono Stereo Groove, an emerging yet powerful collective of Asian creators and executives in the music industry, hosted a songwriting camp in celebration of AANHPI Month. The camp wasn’t […]
Who’s Taking Home the Trophies? AMAs 2025 Hits Tomorrow!
Sound the alarms… Aotearoa’s biggest night in music is going down tomorrow! The Aotearoa Music Awards 2025 is happening Thursday, May 29, and the energy? Immaculate. Whether you’ve got one Aotearoa artist on your playlist or a full-on essentials only collection (and we know you do), tomorrow is a celebration of the voices, vibes, and […]