DRM NZ Artists Named Finalists for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards
DRM NZ is proud to celebrate a standout roster of talent named as finalists for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards. Highlighted across key categories spanning Hip Hop, Soul/R&B, Language, Pop, and Gospel, the nominations showcase the extraordinary depth, diversity, and impact of Pacific artists in Aotearoa and across Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.
Leading the charge is iconic Aotearoa soul artist Ladi6, who secures four nominations, including Best Pacific Female Artist, Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist, and Best Pacific Music Album for her acclaimed release Le Vā. Powerhouse creative Tree follows closely with three nods for The Rose Era across Best Pacific Female Artist, Best Pacific Language, and Best Pacific Gospel Artist.
DRM NZ is equally thrilled to recognize nominations for:
- Diggy Dupé & choicevaughan: ONErpm Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist (Brown Velvet EP)
- Lepani: NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist & APRA Best Pacific Song (Young Gun)
- Brandn Shiraz: NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video (Youngin from Kuki II, directed by Esther Mauga)
- LOU’ANA: Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist (Disco Witch)
- Talia Perese: Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist (Talia Perese)
Critically Acclaimed Artist Reb Fountain claims her third #1 on the Aotearoa Top 20 Albums Chart!
Aotearoa folk-rock powerhouse Reb Fountain has solidified her position atop New Zealand’s music scene as her new record,
Emerging R&B Sensation & 2026 Pacific Music Award-winning Artist Talia Perese Lands Feature in Rolling Stone AU-NZ.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ highlighted South Auckland rising star Talia Perese as part of their "Song You Need to Know" series for her new single Groundhog Day with MELODOWNZ and Zhuli.
Celebrating Our DRM Winners & Big Moments at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards!
What a night for Pacific music!
A Triumph for Kiwi Music: Independent Folk Artist Mel Parsons Hits #1 on Official NZ Top 40 Album Chart
Tūī-winning indie folk songwriter Mel Parsons has achieved a career-defining milestone with her seventh studio album, Castle Hill, debuting at #1 on the Official NZ Top 40 Albums Chart.
Hine’s debut EP Ka Mua Ka Muri lands at #4 on the Official Top 20 Aotearoa Albums Chart
Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist GiGi Crayford, performing as HINE, has made an impressive chart debut with her debut project release, Ka Mua Ka Muri EP, entering the Official Top 20 Aotearoa Albums Chart at #4.
Mountain Boy’s New Album The Nights Debuts At #7 On The Official Top 20 Aotearoa Albums Chart
Mountain Boy has officially charted on the Official Top 20 Aotearoa Albums Chart, with their highly anticipated second album, The Nights, entering at #7.