Cydel performing at the Pacific Music Awards. Photo: Indira Moala
Lifelong friends and industry veterans Cydel topped the winners list at the 11th annual Vodafone Pacific Music Awards at the weekend.
The Samoan duo Pele Nili and Dee Letoa, who have been jamming together for more than two decades, took home Best Pacific Artist, Best Pacific Group and Best Pacific Album.
In accepting their awards, Pele spoke about the struggles he went through as a young musician trying to write, while moving through different Women's Refuge homes with his mother and siblings.
Both Pele and Dee paid tribute to their mothers for the influence they'd had on their careers.
“To have a strong island woman doing everything, that's a Queen. Where I am today is because of her,” said Dee.
“I know my Toana'i (Sunday lunch) tomorrow is going to be the bomb! I'm going to have all my favourite cooking from my mum!”
LISTEN: Cydel discuss South Auckland's Groovehouse Records.
Cydel’s onstage band set-up featured accomplished musicians such as Nainz Tupai from the award-winning Adeaze duo, former multiple PMA award winner Malcom Lakitini and South Auckland Rapper Giant Killa.
Donald "MC Oldwun" McNulty, from award-winning band Nesian Mystik, said Cydel was amongst their biggest musical influences as teens.
“Their first single was called Nesian Queen and that was the first Pacific Soul music we'd ever heard. We were about 15 then,” he said.
Among the other winners was Operatic Samoan trio Sol3 Mio who received a special recognition award for their domestic and international success.
Member Pene Pati said it was a surreal experience touring in Europe and meeting fans who had never even heard of Samoa.
South Auckland hip-hop trio Smashproof also took home APRA Best Pacific Song award, along with NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video, which was directed by Chris Graham.
When asked what makes Smashproof so different to other artists featured that night, Tyree said it was their brotherhood and family bond that made them unique.
He later added jokingly "...and because we're the best looking!"
Other amusing features from the night included Pacific soulful diva Erakah who accepted her win for Best Pacific Female artist in bare feet, having taken off her heels for the majority of the night.
“This is my fob side!” she later confessed to media.
Gospel artist TJ Taotua picked up his first ever PMA titles, taking home Best Pacific Gospel Artist and Best Pacific Male Artist.
Among the other winners was legendary reggae band Herbs who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for their success and influence over the past 36 years.
LISTEN: Herbs on their classic record Whats' Be Happen?
Herbs have been known for providing confronting political commentary through their music. They’ve written about protesting against Nuclear Testing in French Polynesia, the controversial mid-70s raids on the homes of alleged Pacific Island overstayers in New Zealand, apartheid in South Africa and other issues.
Former band member, Toni Fonoti, said it was always about more than just the music.
“On that first album when I was getting arrested by police, I was able to write about that and express it and it wasn't just my experience but, for a lot of people out there - and especially with overstayers."
Former band member Phil Toms shared about the infamous Springbok tour of New Zealand in 1981.
“We were part of a movement that actually stopped a game in Hamilton and there were riots around Eden Park.
“And Nelson Mandela said that this gave him great heart as he was in jail. I think today if you did a political album, they wouldn't play it on the radio.”
Three Houses Down at the Pacific Music Awards. Photo: Indira Moala/RNZ
Reggae band Three Houses Down, who performed a special tribute to Herbs, went home with the People's Choice Award, which is the only award open to public voting.
The band has also received international success and recognition, touring and playing alongside international acts such as UB40, Ali Campbell, Inner Circle and more.
Lead singer Charlie Pome'e said they've come a long way since early rehearsals in the garage of their Otara home in South Auckland.
“Dreams do come true and if you work hard towards your goals and make these little sacrifices, everything is possible,” he said.
“It means a lot because you know, Otara is stereotyped - but we've seen the world with our music.”
Among the crowd members raging in front of the stage during the live acts was recent X Factor NZ winner Beau Monga alongside other veteran Herbs musicians.
Vodafone Pacific Music Awards Trust chairperson Mua Strickson-Pua says this year's winners list show the growing strength and variety of talent Pacific Musicians are showing.
“Our Pacific artists are permanent fixtures on the New Zealand airwaves.
“They're leading the way for the next generation of Pacific talent.”
Story by RNZ International's Indira Moala.
