Shane Walker Dominates at 2025 Pacific Music Awards with Two Wins

Musician Shane Walker achieved significant recognition at the 2025 Pacific Music Awards, winning both the awards for best Pacific male artist and best Pacific song for his track “Believe.” The ceremony took place in Tāmaki Makarau on Thursday night and celebrated the rich cultural contributions of Pacific artists in the music industry.

Walker, who is of Tainui, Ngāti Mahanga, and Ngāti Whātua descent, is known for his unique musical style, which blends elements of reggae, roots, and gospel, influenced by Cook Islands culture and te reo Māori. He first gained widespread attention in New Zealand with his summer hit “Coasty Girl” in 2024, a song he described to Te Ao News as a tribute to East Coast women.

“Music for me is a remedy, but it also is like my life’s work and like a diary,” Walker explained. “It will create memories and leave a legacy for my kids and grandkids.” His previous accolades include winning the People’s Choice Award for best Pacific artist at last year’s event.

Highlights from the 2025 Awards

In addition to Walker’s triumphs, the awards featured several notable winners across various categories. Aaradhna, who led the nominations alongside Walker, was honored as the best Pacific female artist. The soul and R&B singer, who has Indian and Samoan heritage, has previously made waves in the music scene, winning the best soul/R&B artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards earlier this year.

Other significant winners included Lomez Brown, recognized as the best Pacific roots/reggae artist, and Brotherhood Musiq, who took home the award for best Pacific gospel artist. The best Pacific hip hop artist award went to Kenzie from Welly, while the honor for best Pacific group was awarded to A.R.T.

The awards also acknowledged the contributions of Opetaia Foa’i, a respected cultural and musical ambassador in the South Pacific. He received the prestigious Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award and was recognized for best Pacific language alongside his collaboration with Moana 2 Artists.

The evening also celebrated creative accomplishments in music videos, with the best Pacific music video awarded to Tha Movement for “The Lecture,” directed by Samson Rambo.

A Complete List of Winners

The detailed results from the 2025 Pacific Music Awards are as follows:

– **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 – “Tulou Tagaloa”
– **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 – “90’s Fine”
– **Best International Pacific Artist**: The 046 – “Music is Everything”
– **Best Pacific Music Album**: Jordyn with a Why – “Hibiscus Moon, Love & Justice”

The 2025 Pacific Music Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the vibrant and diverse musical landscape of the Pacific community, ensuring its cultural legacy continues to flourish.