Happy New Zealand Music Month! If you did not know, well now you do. Personally for me, I just feel like Music Month is one of those things where it’s just quickly celebrated without much emphasis on it.
But regardless of that, we can still do our bit to honour this special month, especially highlighting our very own up and coming Pasifika music talent in New Zealand. So here’s some tunes to add to your playlist as we approach the halfway mark of 2025.
KAVAFIED: Melodowns, Revus.
If you’re a fan of Melodownz, then you would know just how much he loves kava. Whether it’s on his social media or just at a big event, you can always catch him with a big glass bottle brim filled with the muddy goodness.
Kavafied, which also features artist Revus, is to me a track that represents the feeling you get when sipping from the kava bowl. A balanced merge of drowsy yet relaxed feel mixed with some great positive vibes.
The addition of Revus in this song was also a stroke of genius as it moulded well with his cool calm collected persona. Adding on the great visuals for the music video, Kavafied is definitely a hit you would want to add on your playlist.
Have a cup of kava too while you’re at it!
E OSO AE PEA LE LA COVER: Miracle Leota-Faasavalu & Juga
If you grew up in Samoa then you definitely know how high we praise our bands. The likes of Evaeva, RSA, Le La Oso etc.
Whether it was on the wooden buses cruising through the streets of Apia or just your neighbours blasting it on their speakers, you were always bound to hear some classic tunes from these legendary bands.
The timeless tune from Le La Oso, E oso ae pea le la, is a highly regarded top tier of these tunes, and now has been revived in today’s age by Miracle Leota Faasavalu & Juga. The duo put on their twist to the song which also being used in CoconetTv’s new film “First Place”
What I love about the cover is that although it is a stripped down version of it with just a guitar and vocals, it does not take away anything from its deep lyrics and wonderful melody. If you also get a chance to see the film “First Place” the song really captures the different emotions and themes being discussed in the film.
It is also proof of just how timeless our old school tracks are, that no matter how many years after, it still can be used and adapted and it will still sound beautiful. Big fa’amalo to both Miracle and Juga for their work.
Long live Le La Oso!
CTRL: Dara Nickel
Next up we have Christchurch based artist Dara Nickel and her new single CTRL. I am a bit biassed with this selection due to the fact she is my cousin, but that is not taking anything away from the fact that it is a great piece of musical genius.
Dara has always been that cousin who we always knew was musically gifted in our family, whether it was through church or just regular jam sessions with the cousins. So to be able to witness her now branch out and start taking it to the next level is truly incredible.
Produced by maestro himself 10A, the track has a nice bounce to it, creating a great blend of afrobeat, pop and rnb. Also what makes the track work is the blend of harmonies throughout the verse and chorus making it soothing to the ear.
If anything, this track speaks well of the musical influences that Dara listens or surrounds herself with.A great song to get the vibe started for whatever occasion!
FULL TIME REMIX: Kiridox & Stallyano
Kiridox to me is an artist I would say is using social media wisely. I first had seen his work through tik tok where he would promote his music. What struck me was merely the fact that even with all the negativity in the comments, he still pushed through and never hesitated to post.
His single Full Time samples Craig David’s 7 Days, and features South Auckland’s very own Stallyano. The lyrics and song talk about the idea of pushing through and working through the hardships, which to me describes Kiridox perfectly.
Not only does he entertain you with that rnb/hip hop bounce and insane melodic tune, he also takes you through a journey of his life and career, while providing for himself and his family. And with the addition of Stallano’s smooth vocals gliding perfectly on his verse, the collaborated track is a must to be added to your playlist. While you’re at it, go on and support both artists on their online platforms.
WATIQU: Kuki & Marama
And rounding up our five picks for today is none other than my Fijian brother Kuki, His latest track Watiqu also features the beautiful voice of Marama.
I first did an interview with Kuki regarding his rendition of Selena’s “I could fall in love” and it was there I realised just how committed he was in terms of his career both on and off the stage. Another trait I loved about Kuki was his commitment to always putting Fiji local music talent at the forefront to wherever he went.
Being able to work with Marama on this track is testament to this trait of his, and his ongoing support for his fellow Fijian artists. Watiqu is a song about love and romance, and whether you understand the Fijian lyrics or not, you can feel it in your soul as the words play hand in hand with the track’s groove. That is the true beauty of the Fijian native tongue.
A great feel good song to listen to when you are on your afternoon cruises or maybe just to listen to with your significant other. Vinaka Kuki!
