The Pacific Music Awards are celebrating 22 years of recognising excellence in Pacific music, with the announcement of the 2026 finalists showcasing the strength, diversity and creativity of Pacific artists across Aotearoa and the wider Moana.
A total of 33 artists have been named finalists across 13 categories, with Porirua trio A.R.T and Auckland RnB artist Sam V emerging as the leading contenders, each securing five nominations.
A.R.T earned nominations for Best Pacific Group, Best Pacific Language, Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist, Best Pacific Music Video and Best Pacific Music Album. Their recent releases, including the Blank Canvas EP, have continued to build on the momentum generated by their breakthrough success in recent years.
Sam V also picked up five nominations, including Best Pacific Male Artist, Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist, Best Pacific Song, Best Pacific Music Album and Best Producer. His album Take A Chance On V: Deluxe has helped cement his reputation as one of the country’s rising contemporary RnB talents.
Hip hop pioneer Scribe follows closely behind with four nominations, including Best Pacific Male Artist, Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist, Best Pacific Song and Best Pacific Music Album for Scribe is Dead.
Acclaimed artist Ladi6 also secured four nominations, including Best Pacific Female Artist, Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist and Best Pacific Music Album for Le Vā, a project exploring themes of legacy, loss and renewal.
Artists receiving three nominations include Iva Lamkum, Junior Soqeta, Tree and Three Houses Down, highlighting a broad mix of established names and emerging talent across multiple genres.
The finalists span categories ranging from hip hop, reggae and gospel through to Pacific language music and music video production. International recognition will also be awarded through the NIU FM Best International Pacific Artist category, featuring finalists from across the Pacific region.
Public voting is now open for the SunPix People’s Choice Award, with all nominated artists eligible. Fans can cast their votes through the Pacific Music Awards website until 22 July.
The winners of the 2026 Pacific Music Awards will be announced at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau on 12 August, celebrating another milestone year for Pacific music in Aotearoa.
