South Auckland’s Shane Walker Shines at 2025 Pacific Music Awards

Musician Shane Walker from South Auckland emerged as a standout winner at the 2025 Pacific Music Awards, securing two prestigious titles: best Pacific male artist and best Pacific song for his hit track, “Believe.” The awards ceremony took place in Tāmaki Makaurau on Thursday night, celebrating the rich musical talent of Pacific artists.

Walker, who is of Tainui, Ngāti Mahanga, and Ngāti Whātua descent, has gained significant recognition for his unique musical style, which fuses reggae, roots, and gospel influences along with elements from Cook Islands culture and te reo Māori. His rise to fame began in 2024 with the summer hit “Coasty Girl,” a tribute to East Coast women. In previous interviews, Walker described music as both a remedy and a vital part of his legacy, stating, “Music for me is a remedy, but it also is like my life’s work and like a diary.”

This year, Walker faced stiff competition. He was also nominated for best Pacific roots/reggae artist, a title that went to Lomez Brown, and best gospel artist, which was awarded to Brotherhood Musiq.

In the female categories, Aaradhna took home the award for best Pacific female artist. She led the nominations with four, further solidifying her status after winning best soul/R&B artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards earlier this year. Aaradhna, whose heritage includes Indian and Samoan roots, continues to be a powerful force in the music scene.

Other notable winners at the awards included Sam V, who was named best Pacific soul/R&B artist, and Tha Movement, awarded best Pacific music video for “The Lecture,” directed by Samson Rambo. The best Pacific group award went to A.R.T for their engaging performances, while Kenzie from Welly was recognized as the best Pacific hip hop artist. Jordyn with a Why received the accolade for best Pacific music album, showcasing the diversity of talent within the Pacific music community.

A significant moment of the evening was the presentation of the Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award to Opetaia Foa’i, who has been a cultural and musical ambassador for the South Pacific. Foa’i also received an award for best Pacific language, highlighting his contributions to preserving and promoting Pacific languages through music.

The full list of winners from the 2025 Pacific Music Awards reflects a vibrant and diverse music scene:

– Best Pacific Female Artist: Aaradhna – “Sweet Surrender”
– Best Pacific Male Artist: Shane Walker – “Believe”
– Best Pacific Group: A.R.T – “When He Was Mine (Pele Fo’i Mai)”
– Best Pacific Language: Opetaia Foa’i & Moana 2 Artists
– Best Pacific Gospel Artist: Brotherhood Musiq – “Open The Eyes of My Heart”
– Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist: Kenzie from Welly – “Hold Ya Head”
– Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist: Sam V – “90’s Fine”
– Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist: Lomez Brown – “UNDER-RATED”
– Best Pacific Music Video: Tha Movement – “The Lecture”
– Best Producer: Astro, EDYONTHEBEAT, Sam V
– Best International Pacific Artist: The 046
– Best Pacific Music Album: Jordyn with a Why – “Hibiscus Moon, Love & Justice”

The Pacific Music Awards continue to celebrate and uplift the voices of Pacific artists, reflecting their cultural heritage and artistic achievements, while fostering a sense of community and pride among audiences and performers alike.