Pasifika Musicians on the Rise
2024 has only just begun but its already been a big year for young brown Musicians.
Since January we’ve seen some awesome young artists come onto the scene with debut music, or new releases! It’s no secret that Pasifika people have always expressed ouselves through art, dance and music. One could even say it’s in our blood.
We’ve had many great Pasifika artists bless the many generations with their musical gifts, and the new generation are promising to deliver on the same legacy.
We’ve collated a few of the many exciting young Pasifika artists to watch out for right here!
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Ruby Coley
Rotuman Singer/Songwriter
Young Rotuman Songstess Ruby Coley has recently released her beautiful visuals of single "Devil on my shoulder" Directed by the talented Toa Fraser.
Coley speaks of her inspiration behind the song "I had these lyrics on my notes app for a while about this idea of having a Devil on My Shoulder and wanted to write something around that concept. It became the idea of this inner voice holding me back, and the fear of letting someone down or messing up - trying to find the confidence in yourself to deal with those situations."
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MYSHAAN
Maori Singer/Songwriter
Allthugh the young Maori Singer has been making music and releasing covers for some years now, 2024 was the year for this young muso. With his debut sinlge SWAY going viral on tiktok - the summer island vibe jam has taken the industry by storm. Myshaan has collabed with big time Tongan singer Dinah Jane on SWAY the remix as well.
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Turquoise Prince
Tongan Singer/Songwriter
The Tongan Australian Artist has recently released a new single “The Other Side” a dark love-song about incompatibility and denial.
“The song was directed at my love-interest at the time, describing why we would never work. There are also moments that are more introspective and self reflective, reminding myself of the reality of the situation.”
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MOZIE
Samoan Singer/Songwriter
MOZIE/Moana Leota, hails from the villages of Vaimoso, Avao and Tanugamanono, and grew up in the beautiful Wairarapa, currently residing in Te Whanganui-a-tara.
She is a musician and a mum, and she’s recently released her new single SONSHINE
“It’s about knowing that when you lose something or someone, the sun will rise again.”
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SPDRTWNBBY
Samoan Singer/Songwriter
SPDRTWNBBY hails from the villages of Lalomanu Aleipata and Malie has just released her ethereal visuals for her lover girl anthem “Pixel Pixie”
She reflects on the struggles as a brown woman in the industry and has hopes to change that, stating
“If I am being really honest, there aren’t many opportunities for brown women who make music life myself to really flourish here so I am working on creating shows and a fan base to get this happening.”
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JJ4K
Samoan/Tongan Rapper
The young aspiring artist has had a big start to his 2024, already releasing his debut EP 'I'm Talking" and yet another single "Go Crazy" ft PNG beat maker Bala Rontu not even 3 weeks following.
The young artist has been heavy on his grind, but it hasn't always been easy. He spoke candidly with us about the struggles of being a Pasfika Aritst in the music industry stating
"To be a Pacific man in this industry may soon come as challenging, my voice doesn’t exactly match my appearance and I may be misconstrued as a true-blue Aussie rapper. On the contrary, I recognize that the range of Islander artists who have come before me have made it a lot easier for me to enter"
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The Westernguide
Samoan Singer/Songwriter
The Westernguide has been entertaining us for years now from funny content to hositng on our radio waves! But 2024 has brought on more music from the singer/songwriter/content creator and radio host. What can't he do?
His latest single "Brown Eyed Choc Skin" brings us a country love song dedicated specifically to our chocolate skin girlies.
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Roses on the Moon
Samoan Singer/Songwriters
Roses On The Moon is a captivating and innovative musical duo known for their unique blend of ethereal melodies, emotive lyrics, and electronic soundscapes. Comprising of vocalist and songwriter, Bobby B Mac, and vocalist and songwriter, Vehnu Moon, Roses On The Moon has carved a distinct niche in the music industry with their mesmerizing sonic creations. Bobby B Mac and Vehnu Moon were born out of Rose Park, Utah. Samoan blood brothers who share the same passion for music.
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What is most exciting about this new generation is the range - from pop, hip hop, alternative, rock to country even! They have not let stereotypes box them into the typical urban soul, or reggae that society may expect from our young brown artists.
Hip Hop Legend Scribe chimed in stating
”It’s a privilege to watch and also be inspired by. It is critical that we support them, validate them, and allow space for them to find their voice, tell their stories and speak their truth."