As the Pacific Music Awards 2021 ceremony looms closer, we’re spotlighting some of this year’s nominees. For our final profile we catch up with Shepherds Reign, who are nominated for Flava Best Pacific Group and SunPix Best Pacific Language.
Returning to the PMAs for another year is five-piece metal band Shepherds Reign — made up of members Filiva’a James (Ngāti Hāmoa), Oliver Leupolu (Ngāti Hāmoa), Shaymen Rameka (Ngāi te Rangi, Te Arawa), Gideon Voon (Ngāti Hainamana) and Joseph Oti-George (Ngāpuhi).
Last year Shepherds Reign earned three nominations for their smash single Le Manu. This year, the boys are back with two nominations thanks to their 2020 single Aiga — a powerful track about family and “those who have left their families to taste worldly temptations”.
“It’s a reminder to never forget your roots,” says lead singer Filiva’a says.
“Never forget those that have loved you from the start, whether blood related or not. There’s no place like home, and family is where you will find true happiness.”
The music video depicts five village chiefs and a taupou luring the band in to return home.
“They’re trying to keep us from heading into the dangers of the world, which is represented by the ocean,” Filiva’a explains. “At the end of the clip, you see us walking out from the sea, symbolizing that we’re heading back home to be together again with our loved ones.”
Director and editor Dave Thomson from Imaginary Friends used his camera and editing skills to capture the essence and beauty of the Samoan culture, layering it with Shepherds Reign’s heavy metal riffs and hard-hitting beats.
As artists during the pandemic, being separated was a challenge. But with great motivation and an urgency to better themselves, Filiva’a and the band utilised their time apart to work on their individual instruments.
“It’s been very hard, but constantly communicating through media and sending through new ideas helps keep that fire burning,” he says.
“Once we’re able to practice together again, we’ll be a much stronger and a tighter sounding band.”
With new music and new merch on the way, Shepherds Reign will continue to deliver their unique sound of metal infused with Pasifika culture.
Join us for the 2021 Pacific Music Awards right here on TP+, Saturday 11 December at 7pm.
