The NZ Music Commission Best Song Award recognised the strength of the Rotorua group’s original composition, while the Te Reo Award honoured its use of Māori language in performance. Both awards came with $500 cash prizes.
Smokefree Tangata Beats runs alongside Smokefreerockquest and is designed to nurture young musical talent while celebrating the unique cultural identities of Aotearoa and the South Pacific. Organisers say the programme encourages rangatahi to connect with their roots through music, language, dance and storytelling.
Technical and commercial services Toi Rauwhārangi director James Coyle said the event celebrated the hard work of participants, students, teachers and Massey University alumni.
“This year at the Great Hall Massey University we have a team of 50 Screen Arts and Commercial Music students, working alongside graduates, staff and industry professionals to produce the live show and broadcast.
“We are so proud of the work they are doing to elevate the performances of our emerging young musicians. What’s even more exciting is that this is just the start of the Massey University and Rockquest Promotions partnership.”
This year’s national finalists progressed through regional competitions before travelling to Wellington, where they took part in workshops covering songwriting, taonga pūoro, media training and other aspects of the music industry.
All national finalists have the opportunity to record a song in a professional studio through support from the Ministry of Education.