South Auckland Schools Dominate At SUSO 2024

Our local artists from De La Salle College, Aorere College, and Tangaroa College made waves at this year’s Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) last month.

Competing alongside emerging talent from across Tāmaki Makaurau, they proved once again why South Auckland schools are a force to be reckoned with.

SUSO is Auckland’s premier platform for young talent, highlighting the best in secondary-school music and dance. This year's event featured five key categories: dance, solo instrumental, group vocal, solo vocal, and bands.

Manukau Ward Councillor Lotu Fuli expressed her pride in the achievements of the Manukau schools: “I am excited to see that once again the schools from the Manukau Ward have done well in many of the categories. Congratulations to the winners from Tangaroa College and Aorere College, as well as the runners up from De La Salle College and Aorere College.”

She also emphasised the high calibre of all participants, saying, “All the participants performed to a high standard and proved that Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the home of talented rangatahi and the beating heart of our creative future.”

Councillor Fuli is optimistic about the future of these young performers, adding, “I look forward to seeing these talented young Aucklanders take their music/dance to the world. I am proud to be a part of Auckland Council and the support we provide to wonderful events like SUSO.”

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia also highlighted the dual significance of the event for South Auckland: “This is a display of the natural talent we have in South Auckland amongst our youth. We love to sing; we love to make music. We grow up surrounded with music, whether in church or at home.”

What makes the victory even sweeter for South Auckland is the historical significance of SUSO. The competition has its roots in Ōtara, starting at the Ōtara Music and Arts Centre (OMAC), a hub for nurturing local talent.

“OMAC provides an avenue for our talented locals to hone their skills and perform and showcase our love for music,” said Apulu. “The Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board is proud to continue to ensure OMAC is the heart of South Auckland talent.”

As a long-running Auckland Council initiative, SUSO is presented in partnership with Auckland Live, Rockshop, and Auckland UNESCO City of Music. Over its 35-year history, the competition has become a platform for aspiring young artists, with many participants going on to achieve notable success in the industry.

This year, SUSO featured 15 exceptional acts across a variety of categories, including the newly introduced SUSO electronic, further broadening the competition’s scope.

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By Tikilounge Productions & Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa