Ethnicity: Tongan-Kiribati
Villages: Tonga: Kolofo’ou | Kiribati: Temakin, Betio Town – Tarawa
Base: Wellington, Aotearoa, New Zealand
Producer/Engineer: NTGotBeats
Media Team/Collective: Kalo Block
ABOUT KIRIDOX: Kiridox is a Tongan-Kiribati melodic rap artist based in Wellington, Aotearoa, New Zealand. Known for his unique blend of West Coast Hip-Hop, RnB, and Island Pop, he brings a diverse range of influences and sounds to his music. As an independent artist, Kiridox has built a strong network of creatives in Wellington, known as Kalo Block, which has allowed him to foster connections and help grow the Polynesian artist music scene in the area. Juggling his music career with work and study, he manages all aspects of his craft, including marketing, content planning, scripting, recording, and songwriting.
MUSICAL JOURNEY: Kiridox’s musical journey has been shaped by a range of experiences, starting with his childhood where he was encouraged to perform and sing at family gatherings and church. He began creating his own music at 15, writing and recording while still in school. His career took a significant turn after attending a BLXST concert in 2022, where the West Coast RnB sound deeply influenced his style. Inspired by BLXST’s vibe and approach, Kiridox went on to release his debut single, “RUN,” which has since garnered over 500k streams. His musical style has been influenced by BLXST, Rod Wave, Young Go, GodFamilyHustle and Stallyano, combining elements of both West Coast and melodic artists. His musical journey is based on 3 principles- Connections, Content, & Consistency.
Back to the roots
For Kiridox, music has served as a way to process his emotions and life experiences. He describes it as his “therapy,” offering him peace of mind and a means of self-expression. Embracing his Tongan and Kiribati heritage is crucial to him, and it’s reflected in his name, “Kiri-dox,” with “dox” being a slang term for “friend” or “brother.” Growing up away from the motherlands, Kiridox has made a deliberate effort to learn about and incorporate his culture into his music. His storytelling captures the modern Polynesian experience while honoring the journey of those who came before him. Tracks like “Run” and “Feelings (The Remix)” feature both Tongan and Kiribati languages. While he’s only semi-fluent in Tongan and doesn’t speak Kiribati, music has provided him with the opportunity to learn from his family and community, reconnecting with his roots. He skillfully blends traditional influences with modern sounds, creating a fresh, contemporary vibe.
Creative Process & Entrepreneurial Spirit
Kiridox has been creating videos and content since high school, initially for different purposes, but over time, he has honed these skills to market his music and build his brand. In addition to his creative pursuits, he is a commerce and marketing major at Victoria University and served as the President of the Tongan Students Association. His marketing and content skills have not only enhanced his music career but also opened doors for him to grow as an entrepreneur. Kiridox is a dedicated and consistent worker, planning content, releases, and filming up to three months in advance, allowing him to balance work, study, and his music career effectively.
Entering the music scene has not been without its challenges. Despite initial lack of support, Kiridox has managed to carve out his own path, helping to grow the Polynesian music community alongside his friends. He has faced criticism and skepticism along the way, but he has learned to stay focused and push forward. Today, he stands as a prominent artist in Wellington’s music scene. Growing up, he struggled to find his place, noting, “not many rappers get sent to private schools.” His unique upbringing and experiences have led him to redefine rap on his own terms. For him, rap is about the Polynesian spirit of hustle, dreaming big, and pursuing those dreams despite the odds. Through his music, he honors his heritage and tells his own story of what it means to be Polynesian in today’s world.
EP Releases & Future Vision
After releasing his first EP Unarthodox, Kiridox describes the project as a true reflection of his personality—someone who challenges societal norms and embraces contradictions. While his journey has included moments of isolation, these experiences have only fueled his determination to reach his goals. With support and guidance from established artists like Sam V, Stallyano, and POETIK, Kiridox is now preparing to release collaborations with some of them, which will be featured on his upcoming EP set for release in July. Stay tuned…
Kiridox is committed to consistently producing music, growing his fanbase, and making an impact in the New Zealand music industry. His ultimate goal is to establish himself as a key figure in the scene and achieve financial independence through his artistry. The hustle, dedication, and support of his community drive him forward, and he continues to dream big.
