Whether physically, mentally or spiritually, the lockdown can be challenging for many of us. Quite a few of these fresh new singles were made to uplift, reassure and even inspire. So if you feel like you need a pick-me-up to shake off your lockdown blues, have a listen to the latest tracks from our Pasifika artists.
OLIVIA FOA’I – Fai Pea
In the past few years Olivia Foa’i has carved a name for herself in the music industry not only as a vocalist, but as a songwriter, director, editor and choreographer. With her latest single Fai Pea (Keep going forward), Foa’i sings about resilience and the determination to pursue your dreams, even when the journey gets tough. “Sometimes I give up / I forget where I’m going / But I heard it’s harder before it gets easier / And I know for sure it will get better”.
With her Pacific heritage at the forefront of all her musical offerings, Fai Pea is written with both Tokelauan and English lyrics (check out the lyrics here) A timely release given our lockdown circumstances, check out the music video for Fai Pea below:
MELODOWNZ – Fine
It’s only his first single for the year, but rapper Melodownz’s Fine is already burning up the NZ music charts, sitting at no. 2 of the Hot NZ Singles list. Of the single the artist says, “I know times have been challenging for the world right now. It’s changed the way we live, the way we feel, the way we work. I thought releasing a song called “FINE” might seem a bit off for these times. I wrote this song when I was going through one of the darkest stages in my life. I used this song as a self-affirmation which helped me through it and gave me healing. Reassuring myself that whatever happens I’m gonna be fine.” The video itself is a fun-filled, technicolour hallucination of talking llamas, third eyes and a kaleidoscope of image wizardry.
MARLEY SOLA – Lift Your Head High
Making a name for himself in NZ’s R&B scene, Lift Your Head High marks Marley Sola’s first release for 2020. A soulful and uplifting anthem, Sola says, “This song hits home for me, and I just want to send a message of hope and love to everyone and to just say always keep yah head high. Big love to my team and my family for always encouraging me and pushing me.” A stunning vocalist and talented songwriter, Sola aims to uplift his listeners with his clean, pure vocals and heart-warming lyrics. A creative and stunning music video helmed by award-winning director Shae Sterling, Lift Your Head High is sure to infuse you with hope and positivity.
LUKAN RAISEY ft POETIK – Maintain
With a classic Aaliyah sample and a beautifully produced hip hop groove courtesy of Jei Bliss, rappers Lukan Raisey and Poetik prove just why ‘old-school’ sounds shouldn’t be a thing of the past. Lukan Raisey has long been a part of the NZ rap scene for some time, touting the sound of 90s rap nostalgia with the release of his 2017 project LR6378. He was handpicked by David Dallas to take up a coveted spot on 64 Bars and went on to feature on Dallas’ 2017 album Hood Country Club. Maintain is Raisey’s first single for the year, and with award-winning rapper Poetik on the feature, this single is the perfect blend of melody, nostalgic groove and fresh Pasifika talent. (WARNING: explicit lyrical content)
SAM V ft LION REZZ and JUWAN – Ain’t Slowin’ Down Remix
Remixing one of his own songs released last year, Sam V employs the help of Lion Rezz and Juwan for the reboot of Ain’t Slowin’ Down, a 2000s R&B nostalgia-fuelled track with a hilarious and entertaining music video to boot. As a vocalist, Sam V’s singing prowess is on full display, singing frills and harmonies as effortlessly as he breathes, proving why he’s one of the top vocalists in the game. The addition of Lion Rezz’s dulcet tones and Juwan’s spitfire verse gives Ain’t Slowin’ Down the radio replay quality it needed to make it into the Hot NZ Singles chart.
ALIMIT ft. JAGARIZZAR – Try Again
It’s been a few years since we’ve seen Alimit step up to the mic. But with the release of his brand new track Try Again, Alimit proves he still has a lot of talent to share and a whole lotta love to give. With lyrics designed to inspire and elevate, Alimit says it’s “probably the best time to release this for everyone going through a tough time right now around the world”. The song was even given a shout out by anti-bulliying advocate Quaden Bayles! Featuring the unmistakable vocals of PMA award-winner Jagarizzar, Try Again is sure to lift you from your lockdown stupor. Have a listen to the single below:
LEPANI – Breathe
Already touted by NZ On Air as ‘One to Watch’, Fijian-born Lepani is already proving his worth on the NZ music scene with the strength of his latest single Breathe, a heart-felt pop tune which showcases Lepani’s lyrical prowess and warm, buttery vocals. While he may be fairly new to the scene, Lepani has already bagged himself a recording deal, signing with Sony last year and releasing a successful debut single Pocket Full of Love which has amassed over 1 million streams on Spotify. Breathe is a strong follow-up from his previous work. In an interview with NZ Musician, Lepani says, “Breathe centres around my girlfriend. I was worried about whether I was actually good enough for her. She kept reminding me I was but I’m a stubborn guy, so it took a lot of convincing.” Have a listen to Lepani’s latest single below:
