Great Haul for Pacific Musicians at New Zealand Music Awards

Pacific musicians scooped 7 of the 22 awards at last night’s 44th Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards. Among them Smashproof won the coveted “People’s Choice Award”, as well as the “Highest Selling New Zealand Single” and the “Best Video” for their chart-topping single Brother. The song is a social commentary about life in South Auckland’s neighbourhoods. Smashproof trio Deach, Tyree and Young Sid are of Samoan, Niuean, and Cook Islands/Maori descent. Their song broke a 23 year old record when it spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on the New Zealand charts. Brooke Fraser shared the prestigious International Achievement with the night’s big winner Ladyhawk. Savage won “Best Male Solo Artist”, Ladi 6 won “Best Urban/Hip-Hop Album”, while Fat Freddy’s Drop won “Best Aotearoa Roots Album” and “Best Producer”.