Today, we announce the 15 songwriters and producers selected by our curator Ladi6 for Moana SongHubs 2024.
APRA AMCOS with the generous support of Creative NZ is delighted to present Moana SongHubs 2024, the first Pasifika-focused SongHubs in Aotearoa.
Today we announce the incredible list of songwriters and producers selected by curator Ladi6 to take part in the 5-day songwriting retreat.
Songwriters: Brandn Shiraz, JARNA, LIJAH, Marley Sola, MELODOWNZ, RIIKI REID, Romi Wrights, Samara Alofa, Summer Vee, Vallé
Producers: big al., Kings, LEAO, Leonardo Coghini, NOÉ
Guest writers: Aaradhna, Brandon Haru, Deva Mahal, Lucky Lance
Learn more about each participant below.
Moana SongHubs kicks off Monday 15 April at Roundhead studios, Auckland.
SONGWRITERS
Brandn Shiraz
Cook Island
Brandn Shiraz is a 24-year-old hip-hop artist born, raised and based in Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau. His music blends elements of Reggae and R&B while remaining deeply rooted in his Cook Island heritage, offering an authentic portrayal of himself. In 2023 he released his self-titled album including appearances from Diggy Dupé, TheWesternGuide, Ranuimarz, and Soufsyde P. The project encapsulated sounds of his Kuki Airani culture together with his current genre influences. Talking about 'gunfire' his first release for 2024, Brandn shares “I recorded this track right after me and the brothers performed a sold-out show at Galatos in Auckland, I must’ve still been buzzing from my performance, and I wanted to channel it all back into music. The high energy and rawness were exactly how I felt at that moment."
Romi Wrights
Tokelauan, Samoan, African American
Although she grew up on the sensibilities of US RnB and Hip-hop, when singer-songwriter Romi Wrights shares her voice, it’s hard not to feel transported back to the spirit of the late 1960s soul/funk era by her incandescent melodies and stirring stories of love, loss and the confusion that lies in between. Working with Mānuka Recordings, Romi is set to release her debut album.
LIJAH
Samoan
Lijah Mavaega started his performing arts career with Pacific Underground as a musician, and as an actor at Mangere Arts Centre with Black Friars, and Odd Family as the musical director. His early career has seen him tour as a musician with Pacific Underground in New Caledonia for a week-long music residency and concert Pasifikana Soundz. He has worked alongside artists such as Ladi6, Parks, Sheelahroc, Mark Vanilau and Dallas Tamaira in a tribute performance to Pacific Underground. In 2022 Lijah was the assistant Music Director for the production of Dawn Raids with Auckland Theatre Company. He currently works as a resident artist of No.3 Roskill Theatre company and is a founding member, where he continues to direct music, create sounds and original music for their shows as well as perform as an actor alongside being a musician in the live band.
Marley Sola
Samoan, Māori
A Christchurch/Ōtautahi native, Marley Sola’s life has been filled with music. Coming from a family of Samoan, Māori and European descent, his first memories of music were watching his uncle play saxophone in Salmonella Dub.
Marley’s first taste of the music industry came at age 17 when he featured as a member of Moorhouse, a group who became fan favorites on the first season of the X-Factor NZ. Following the group’s split Marley began working on his solo material with multi-talented singer, producer and performer, Vince Harder. It was through Vince’s label HMG that Marley would release his first EP Believe (2016) and the singles ‘Call My Name’ (2017) and ‘I Feel It’ (2018). Since the beginning, Marley has been consistently working with acclaimed vocal coach Nathan Philips. A powerful live performer, Marley has over the past few years performed alongside the likes of Aaradhna, Sons of Zion, Hollie Smith, Maisey Rika and Seth Haapu.
Outside of his own music Marley is a vocal coach, teaching production and writing to a variety of students with Nathan Philips. He has been using his skills and experiences to help guide young artists in their navigation as they enter into the music industry.
Melodownz
Samoan, Māori
MELODOWNZ is proof that thought-provoking, lyrical hip-hop is alive and here to stay. Standing firmly on the frontlines of Kiwi creativity, MELODOWNZ food-for-thought artistry exists in multitudes. The Māori/Samoan artist has become a local community hero proudly taking New Zealand rap to the world stage with co-signs and collabs from the likes of Denzel Curry, Bootsy Collins, and Maxo Kream, the latter who he supported this year on Kream’s Australian tour.
After years of accolades, in 2022 MELODOWNZ unveiled his long-awaited debut album, LONE WOLF, via Def Jam ANZ and SNIFFERS Records. Formed across Avondale home studios, remote writing camp sessions, and an LA recording trip, the multidimensional record features collaborations with Houston gangster rapper Maxo Kream, Florida heavyweight Denzel Curry, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter INK, rapper/singer-songwriter Bleu, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and Kanye West collaborator Ant Clemons, among more illustrious producer credits from the likes of Bizness Boi and DJ Khalil. Returning full circle to his Auckland community with collaborations on the album from local legends including Diggy Dupé, Troy Kingi, Bailey Wiley, the Avondale intermediate choir, and more, MELODOWNZ is ready to take Avondale to the world - and he’s bringing his community along with him.
2023 saw Melodownz as the top winner at the 2023 Pacific Music Awards taking out three awards: Best Pacific Male Artist, Best Pacific Music Video, and Best Pacific Music album Award for ‘Lone Wolf’.
Outside of creating, Melodownz holds a mentorship role at Te Karanga Trust, a creative community offering a range of programmes for rangitahi interested in music. A true intergenerational artist, Melodownz’s artistry extends beyond simply making music, but is about creating art for his communities that can inspire and evoke passion.
RIIKI REID
Samoan, Maori, Latvian, Scottish
RIIKI REID is a multifaceted artist whose knowledge in both music and movement allows her to create catchy and intriguing music influenced by a range of genres – which is brightly highlighted in her new releases and live shows.
Her first project, RIIKI, released in 2019, quickly hooked fans with her powerhouse vocals and sugary, indie-pop sound with debut singles ‘One Day’ and ‘High Heights’ which accumulated over 3.5 million streams. Her latest project is an electrifying furthering of craft by the young artist, birthed from a time of musical exploration throughout the pandemic.
RIIKI has released three mini-EP’s to her new name, in which glorified dance track ‘The City’ released in October 2022, sat in the NZ Singles Chart Top 5 for numerous weeks before taking out #1. Recently, the 24-year-old released her third mini-EP Skin in March 2024, a more vulnerable approach to REID’s songwriting in ballad form.
She was honored to be selected as the face and ambassador of Spotify’s ‘EQUAL’ global campaign, where she had her first international Billboard with Spotify in New York Time Square in 2022. In early 2023 REID finished touring with NZ’s international sensation Lorde on her NZ Solar Power Tour, over 6 shows across NZ. On this tour, sharing the stage with the likes of Marlon Williams, BROODS and Fazerdaze.
RIIKI's industry credits include award-winning producer and engineer Simon Gooding (Dua Lipa, Pink, Drax Project), Dave Hammer (Lime Cordiale), Wells* (Navvy, Thomston, Paige), and Alex Wildwood (The Veronicas, Broods, Earth Tiger). There are also subtle nods within the project, to her Māori, Samoan, Latvian and Scottish heritage. RIIKI REID is one to watch.
JARNA
Samoan
Introducing JARNA, the soulful R&B songstress capturing hearts with her mesmerizing voice and raw lyrics. Since stepping into the music scene in 2020, this 23-year-old sensation has been making waves, scoring hits like 'Chill' and 'Crush' on the NZ Hot Singles charts.
Her talent goes beyond her own music; she's been recognized with the Pacific Music Awards 'Philip Fuemana Most Promising Artist' title in 2022 and has collaborated with industry greats like Diggy Dupé, Troy Kingi, and Lomez Brown. But JARNA's not just about her own success – she's also lending her songwriting skills to artists like Hamo Dell, Ezra Williams (Razé), and Will Singe. With Southside producer M4 by her side, she's ready to shake up the R&B scene, already winning over listeners worldwide, from the USA to Japan and Korea. Catch her before it’s too late.
Samara Alofa
Ngati Awa, Vailoa Palauli, Ha’apai
Samara started making soundscapes off an iPhone voice loop app and posting them on SoundCloud in their early 20s 2016/17. Their music and unconventional sound were welcomed into a Community of Noise Artists, Theatre Makers, Dancers and Poets. Samara went on to produce and score for Theatre works and study Film as a young adult.
After dropping out of film school, in 2020 they released their Ep titled Earth Punk a works they produced and composed blending all sorts of musical elements in which they had developed over time working as a Theatre Composer. Taking influence from poets, artists/musicians Ibeyi, Tirzah, Aja Monet and Yukimi Nagano, Samara drew up a world in them that was heavily rooted in the concept of being an Earth Punk. 2021 Samara released their single 'B.T.T.G' (back to the Gods) a new and unique development of their sound. Shortly after they released another single in collaboration with their good friend and Musician/Rapper PollyHill called ‘VOID’. In 2023 Samara and PollyHill released two singles 'ALIEN SEX' and 'QUEER BAIT' followed by an album AQUARIES. With similar backgrounds in theater and scoring Samara and PollyHill created something that was inherently unique to their experience, their scene here in NZ and personal taste. The album is created to be listened to as a world of your own. Inherently Beautiful and Queer.
Summer Vee
Māori, Tongan
Singer-songwriter Summer Vee wrote and performed her first song at twelve years old, winning a Youth Talent Contest at Corbans Estate Art Centre in 2011.
Born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) New Zealand her interest in music comes from an early love for the craft but also her musically inclined family. Her love of multiple genres, stemming from her multicultural background has made her a utility songwriter and melody enthusiast striving for a sound that's both unique and authentic on whatever she is working on.
Her collaboration, 'Judas', with Manukā Recordings, an ode to the style of the Indy label has just reached over 500,000 streams on Spotify. Despite having a small catalogue of music, Summer has managed to garner 20,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. She has stayed under the radar in the Aotearoa music industry but has always kept up with her craft, writing and performing over the past 8 years. This year she plans to assert herself as a creative force in the industry taking those songs from her bedroom to the Aotearoa stage.
Vallé
Papua New Guinean
After leaving his home of Papua New Guinea for Aotearoa as an infant to receive treatment for malaria, Tali Jenkinson, (Vallé) has continuously worked for the life he won back from death.
His debut single ‘Love Me’ was released in 2018 and Valle has been carefully honing his craft, drawing on experiences from everyday life whilst keeping his heritage at the forefront of everything he has to say. With a style of radio friendly R&B and Hip-Hop, Vallé shows that his ear and pen for music are equally gifted.
Vallé has released a steady stream of singles to date. ‘Trip Advisor’ and ‘Prodigy’ arrived in 2020 with ‘Trip Advisor’ being nominated for ‘Best Pacific Music Video’ at the 2021 Pacific Music Awards. It was also featured on Apple’s Music 1 Radio Show.
Already this year Vallé is cementing himself as a star on the rise. ‘Trouble Finds A Girl’ a track he co-wrote with Tami Neilson, Jenny Mitchell and Chris Wethey at SongHubs Ōtautahi, won APRA’S Best Country Music Song Award in June. He is also nominated for ‘Best Pacific Music Video’ for the second year running with the Connor Pritchard directed video for ‘Swing Low’.
PRODUCERS
big al.
Samoan, Tuvaluan
big al. is an up-and-coming artist and producer from Ranui, West Auckland. Having studied Jazz Performance at the University of Auckland, he’s been able to blend his deep-rooted passion for jazz with hip-hop. His approach to production ranges from the ability to record live instruments with his multi-instrumental abilities, to being able to create music virtually through samplers and synthesizers. Being brought up in a household that cherished traditional Samoan church records, to exploring different sonic landscapes through their own personal exploration, influences in the music they make vary heavily, from acid jazz hip-hop to math rock.
Kings
Samoan
Kingdon Chapple-Wilson, professionally known as Kings, is a prominent figure in the New Zealand music industry as a rapper, singer, and songwriter. Since 2018, he has been crafting his musical journey under the banner of his self-run label, Arch Angel Records. Notably, his 2016 hit single 'Don't Worry Bout It' stands as a testament to his success, holding the esteemed title of the longest-running No. 1 single in New Zealand. With a rich cultural background of Māori and Samoan heritage, Kings draws inspiration from his family's legacy of artists and educators, notably his grandfather Arnold Manaaki Wilson. Currently residing in Auckland with his daughter, Kings stands tall at 6 feet and operates his music studio at Awataha Marae, a space lovingly built by his grandfather. His journey into music began at a tender age of seven when he started learning the guitar, eventually honing his skills through a foundation year course at MAINZ.
Transitioning into a solo career during the mid-2010s, Kings initially lent his talents in music production to various companies worldwide. However, it was his breakthrough with "Don't Worry Bout' It" that catapulted him into the spotlight. The song's impromptu music video, shot in Fiji, quickly garnered attention and achieved double platinum certification. Kings' meteoric rise led to numerous accolades, including the prestigious "Highest Selling New Zealand Single" and "Radio Airplay Record of the Year" at the 2017 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.
LEAO
Samoan
David Feauai-Afaese is an Auckland-based creative practitioner and advocate for Pacific arts, most notably known for their work as LEAO - a Samoan neo-psychedelic rock project. As well as a co-Director of Noa Records and accompanist for multiple contemporary Pacific bands (Samara Alofa, Strangelove, The Tāmaki Serenaders) they aim to encourage and explore Pacific modernity in Aotearoa through sonic production and expression.
In 2019 LEAO released GHOST ROADS. This project sees David deliver their first ever body of musical work written from a fa'asamoa core, providing feelings and messages embodied both in language and spirit.
NOÉ (pronounced “noi”)
Fijian
NOÉ is a multi-talented artist hailing from Wellington, New Zealand. Since 2017, NOÉ has been producing, writing and recording his own music and quietly building a name for himself. With his unpredictable flow, signature harmonies and unique style of production, NOÉ has grabbed the attention of the likes of T-Pain and later on, Ta-ku, appearing on his debut album, Songs to Come Home To.
Leonardo Coghini
Niuean, Māori, European
Leonardo Coghini is a Pōneke-based producer and multi-instrumentalist with roots in classical piano and jazz. Leonardo has been a full-time musician playing keys for multiple solo artists and bands both in studio and live. Artists he’s worked with include Rob Ruha, Teeks, Deva Mahal, Trinity Roots, Dallas Tamaira, Mara TK, Cave Circles, Troy Kingi, and Drax Project. Recent achievements include an international US/UK tour with Bret McKenzie, and orchestra shows with Troy Kingi.
GUEST WRITERS
Aaradhna
Possessing an inimitable, and almost genre-defining voice, Aaradhna’s place in Aotearoa R&B royalty is undeniable. Her illustrious career is one marked with connection, artistic innovation and a fierce commitment to authenticity.
Her discography spans iconic tracks from “They Don’t Know” and “Getting Stronger” to “Forever Love” and “Brown Girl” - all firmly part of the cultural zeitgeist of New Zealand. She has collaborated with a long list of Aotearoa’s most iconic artists, including Savage, Adeaze, David Dallas, Sons of Zion, and more recently US artist Sammy Johnson.
Now, Aaradhna is unveiling her first new material in 7 years. Self-produced and independent, tracks "SHE", "Beautiful Ones" and the powerful, self-titled spoken word track "Aaradhna" showcase and celebrate her Samoan and Indian heritage, breaking new ground in her already illustrious career.
BRANDON HARU
Brandon Haru is a multi-instrumentalist and award-winning producer for the likes of Ladi6, Valkyrie, @peace and Niko Walters. Brandon explores and experiments with new forms of musical expression, always looking to the essence of his cultural roots. Brandon's talent has been recognised globally, with US production legend Timbaland singing praises of the New Zealand producer.
Deva Mahal
Beginning from her upbringing in Kaua’i, Hawaii to discovering her voice in New Zealand, it’s there where Deva Mahal solidified her vision of becoming an artist. Deva’s star continued to rise in New York City where in 2018, she released her aptly named debut album, Run Deep, followed by a series of singles released in 2019 by Motéma Music and a couple of acclaimed independent releases through Mahal Clan Productions.
Deva has toured the world, gracing stages of the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Bonnaroo, the Montreal Jazz Festival SXSW Festival (named the “#1 Best New Band at SXSW 2018”) and many more acclaimed international festivals.
Mahal has had the pleasure of collaborating with a number of musicians; Son Little, Allen Stone, Jaleel Bunton of TV on the Radio, Binky Griptite of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, and has performed on stage alongside such international legends as Etta James, Björk, Ceelo Green, Angelique Kidjo, Martha Reeves, Percy Sledge, Mavis Staples, Patti Smith, Kris Bowers Bilal, Meshell N’Deogeocello, and The Roots. Mahal has performed live on TV Quotidien, Later... with Jools Holland, and recently an extra special guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Lucky Lance
Lance Fepuleai aka Lucky Lance is a Samoan Artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Part of the award-winning hip-hop trio Team Dynamite formed in the late-2000's alongside Tony Tz and Haz Beats. They’ve collaborated with the who’s who of New Zealand music including Che Fu, @Peace, Laughton Kora, and Bailey Wiley. Their high energy live show saw the group play major festivals including Homegrown and Rhythm & Vines. They have opened for international acts Methodman and Redman, and supported local acts such as Fat Freddy’s Drop and Ladi6.
Lucky Lance is also the founder and creative director behind Sky Pirates, a street wear entity sporting an art gallery that supports local artistic endeavours.
CURATOR
LADI 6
As a vocalist, MC and truth-teller, the consistent evolution of Ladi6 has firmly cemented her as New Zealand’s undisputed Queen of Hip-hop/Soul and R&B.
Taking shape in different forms over the years, Ladi6 today is the group project of vocalist Ladi and a trio of accomplished Kiwi producers; her husband Parks, drummer Julien Dyne and keyboardist Brandon Haru - three of New Zealand’s most innovative creators, renowned for pushing the boundaries of electronic soul music.
Born and raised in Christchurch, it was a year-long family move to Tanzania that awoke Ladi’s songwriting and calling to perform. This led to the formation of her first group, the all-female Sheelahroc.
Following a move to Auckland, Ladi’s musical collaboration with Parks evolved further, with the rise of their group Verse Two - a hip-hop/soul band that achieved national success, sold out tours and supported international acts The Roots, De La Soul and 50cent. With a new direction calling, a desire to explore more experimental production and storytelling, the now-household name that is LADI6 began taking shape.
Since, Ladi6 has released treasured albums Time Is Not Much, The Liberation Of (featuring platinum selling single ‘Like Water’ a certified NZ classic), Automatic, a collaboration with Detroit Hip-hop Royalty Waajeed, and the beloved Royal Blue 3000 EP. Ladi has toured across the globe with the likes of Erykah Badu, Jhene Aiko, Digable Planets and Fat Freddys Drop, and most notably, supported Gil Scott-Heron on his final UK and European tour prior to his passing, taing the stage before him at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall.
In 2021, Ladi6 was appointed to the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Music, joining both her parents as Queen's Honour recipients. She was named one of the year's Arts Foundation Laureates in 2023, receiving the Theresa Gattung Female Arts Practitioners Award. Ladi6 (MNZM) continues to reach new heights, creating a lasting legacy and forging pathways for Moana creatives to strive for excellence and sustainability in the arts.
