23 Jan 2025

The young musicians changing how Pasifika music is defined

From On the Air - Mā runga iarere, 2:08 pm on 23 January 2025
So'omalo Iteni Schwalger with a Samoan flag.

Photo: So'omalo Iteni Schwalger

When it comes to Pasifika music in Aotearoa, it would be safe to say that The TAHI podcast host, So'omālō Iteni Schwalger, is a relative expert. He's had 10 years experience being fully immersed in the genre, and he has some thoughts.

So'omālō Iteni feels that at times, Pasifika music is mistakenly defined as strictly Reggae or Hip-Hop. He seeks to challenge that idea with a number of young musicians that he's had on The TAHI podcast over the years.

Tony and Maggie are taken on a deep dive into some of the young Pasifika musicians across Aotearoa who are changing how Pasifika music is defined, with a handpicked playlist to match.

Songs Played:

big al. - In Tune ft. LB

Nganeko - Down Bad Patrol

Myshaan - Summer Serenade

SEMA - Real

Deadforest - Plastic

Juga - Wonder

Hales - Castle in the Sky