As we roll into Spring, the season of all things new, we also take the time to check out the newest singles from some of our talented artists.
FEJOINT – Lou Fatai feat. Konecs & Folau
Their song Si’oto Loto made the NZ Top 20 Singles Charts, became the #1 Trending video on Youtube in NZ and has reached over 1 million on the same platform. Konecs, Folau and Fejoint have returned once again, delivering their brand new track Lou Fatai just in time for the start of Tongan Language Week.
The music video features AUT lecturer Dr Janet Tupou, many praising Konecs for “bringing old school Polynesian beauty standards back.” A remake of a beloved Tongan song, many fans of past versions of Lou Fatai are sure to fall in love with the song all over again.
JAWSH 685 – Sweet & Sour feat. Lauv and Tyga
High on the recent success of his Jason Derulo collaboration, South Auckland beat maker Jawsh 685 is back again with his brand new track Sweet & Sour. Building on his record-breaking Savage Love (the first time a NZ artist has reached #1 in the UK), the producer is showing no sign of stopping, working with more industry heavy-hitters in this newest single.
Featuring American artists Lauv (Love Somebody, I Like Me Better) and Tyga (Ayy Macarena, Vacation), Sweet & Sour is a fun, colourful track infused with dancehall vibes and laced with Jawsh’s signature siren sounds.
JARNA – It’s Fine
She recently appeared on the Hot NZ Singles Charts for her feature on the Chris Bates single Find A Way, and after many famous collabs, singer/songwriter Jarna has finally released her own mixtape, Memoirs for the Broken Hearted. It’s a well-produced collection of songs that demonstrate Jarna’s incredible writing and exquisite vocals, and it’s obvious that her talents deserved a solo platform.
Speaking to Hype Medium about her latest single from the mixtape, I’m Fine, Jarna says it was a personal song for her. “The track talks about what it’s like dealing with anxiety in everyday life, and just explains that sometimes people that look fine really aren’t. So I guess dealing with it myself inspired the concept!”
ERAKAH – How You Love Me
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from award-winning Fijian songstress/writer Erakah, but her latest single, How You Love Me, is a welcome return. A declaration of Erakah’s Christian faith and her testament for how her faith has built, How You Love Me is perhaps one of Erakah’s most personal tracks to date. “I wrote it while driving down the line. It’s simple and to the point… hope it reminds you that God ain’t angry, He loves you.” The simplicity of its production allows us to hear the strength in vulnerability and feel Erakah’s very soul in the words.
MARLEY SOLA – One Day feat. Evile Laloata, Zoe Hunter, Sholita Umutaua, Josaiah Haiu, Amber Williams
It’s an issue that continues to plague our youth; New Zealand has one of the worst suicide rates in the developed world. This was something which singer/songwriter Marley Sola wants to address in his latest track, One Day. “This song [is] about raising awareness around Mental health and breaking the stigma that says we cant talk about it because ‘it’s ok, to not be ok’.”
Its simple verses are brought to life by Sola’s stirring, passionate vocals and the stunning vocals of Laloata, Hunter, Umutaua, Haiu and Williams – who all exhibit some truly amazing singing skills! Created in collaboration with social development programme E Tū Tāngata, One Day is currently sitting on the Top 20 Hottest NZ Singles chart.
JIREH & FRIENDS – Draw Me Nearer 2020
It’s one of the highlights of 2020 so far; Gospel group Jireh reunited online to breathe new life into one of their most cherished pieces, Draw Me Nearer. It’s a song that continues to resonate with many of their fans and followers, and perhaps a timely release given the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown, which has affected our most vulnerable communities. The music video brings together a range of talents from the across the globe; singers, instrumentalists and dancers all lend their gifts to what is an incredible and inspiring collaboration. Check out the music video below:
