Sam V and Signature Choir were the big winners at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards.
The Pacific music community gathered at Manukau’s Due Drop Events Centre tonight (August 12th) to celebrate the music talent in Aotearoa and across the Moana.
Having led the way — alongside A.R.T — with five nominations, R&B star Sam V won three gongs, including Best Pacific Male Artist.
We interviewed Sam V ahead of the ceremony. “The PMAs have taught me that I can strive for greatness and be recognised for it. I’ll always be grateful to be part of its history,” he told us.
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Signature Choir walked away with Best Pacific Gospel Artist and two more gongs, while Shane Walker, Iva Lamkum, Kenzie From Welly, and more artists enjoyed successful nights.
Check out the full list of winners below.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to pioneering Cook Islands performer Will Crummer, recognition for a career that’s stretched over six decades.
Sam V, A.R.T, Island Vibes, Kenzie From Welly, Jaro Local, and Wameblood all performed at the ceremony.
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2026 Pacific Music Awards Winners
Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist
Iva Lamkum – ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’
NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist
Sam V – Take a Chance On V: Deluxe, “Small Taste”, “Pay No Mind”
Flava Best Pacific Group
A.R.T – Nana’s Garage (EP), Blank Canvas (EP)
Pacific Media Network Best Pacific Language
Taonepuna Lakatani, Malcolm Lakatani & Pacific Kids Learning – “Ulihega”, “Vevela Mai He Lā”
531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist
Signature Choir – Reach the Sky EP
ONErpm Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist
Kenzie From Welly – Greenstone Door
Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist
Sam V – Take a Chance On V: Deluxe, “Small Taste”, “Pay No Mind”
Big Village Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist
Three Houses Down – Lovers Roots EP
APRA Best Pacific Song
Sam V – “Small Taste”
Written by: Sam Verlinden, Edward Liu, Jaedyn Randall, Sam Nakamura
NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video
Shepherds Reign – “Samoa Mo Samoa”
Director: Twayne Laumua
MPG Aotearoa/SAE Creative Media Institute Best Producer
Brent Park-Tamati & Brandon Haru – Le Vā, Ladi6
Recorded Music NZ Te Tino Pukaemi Moana Nui a Kiwa o te Tau | Best Pacific Music Album
Scribe – Scribe Is Dead
NIU FM Best International Pacific Artist
Fiji – “Daydream”
SunPix People’s Choice Award — Best Pacific Artist
Signature Choir
NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award
Shane Walker – “Coasty Girl”
NZ On Air Streaming Award
Shane Walker – “Coasty Girl”
Phillip Fuemana Award — Most Promising Pacific Artist
Talia Perese
Creative New Zealand Award
Anne Filimoehala
Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award
Will Crummer
Arch Angel Independent Music Award
Letoa
Matai Special Recognition Award
Signature Choir
