Industry veterans win big in Pacific Music Awards

Transcript

Industry veterans Cydel led the winners list at the 11th annual Vodafone Pacific Music Awards which took place in New Zealand last weekend.

Among the other winners was the legendary reggae band HERBS, which got the Lifetime Achievement Award, and also the operatic Samoan trio Sole Mio, which received a special recognition award for domestic and international success.

Indira Moala has more.

Lifelong friends Pele Nili and Dee Letoa, the Cydel Duo, took home the awards for Best Pacific Artist, Best Pacific Group and Best Pacific Music Album.

During their acceptance speech, Pele spoke about the struggle he faced as a young artist trying to grow while experiencing domestic violence and moving between women's refuge homes.

Both he and Dee heralded their mothers for the success of their careers.

Dee Letoa: "To have a strong island woman doing everything, that's a Queen. Where I am today is because of her. I know my Toana'i (Sunday lunch) tomorrow - is going to be the bomb (laughs). She's going to have all my favourite cooking. We're coming home Ma!"

Reggae band Herbs was recognized for their success and influence during the past 36 years.

The band is known for providing confronting political commentary through their music, such as  protests over 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, says it was always bout 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 and those issues that were happening."

Former band member Phil Toms spoke about their protesting experience when South Africa's national rugby team, the Springboks, toured 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."

Reggae band Three Houses Down, which performed a special tribute to HERBS, went home with the People's Choice Award - 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.

Band Members and brothers, Charile and Rob Pome'e, says they are grateful for their success which first started in Garage rehearsals at 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. It means a lot because you know, Otara is stereotyped - but we've seen the world with our music."

Among the other winners was Hawaiian based Samoan neo-soul singer Maryanne Ito who was awarded Best International Pacific Artist.

Vodafone Pacific Music Awards Trust chairperson Mua Strickson-Pua says this year's winners show the strength and variety of talent that the Pacific music community contains.