Church provided Myshaan with his first stage. His storming 2023 single Sway and 2024 follow up Carry My Heart have each enjoyed 5M+ Spotify stream numbers, introducing his smooth R&B and Pacific soul sound to audiences across Aotearoa and throughout Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. Brown Skin, a track from the 23-year old’s recently released EP ‘My Love’, was included by NZ On Air Music on their April NewTracks compilation.
My name is Myshaan Komene. I’m originally from Hamilton and currently based in Brisbane, Australia.
I primarily use my voice as my main instrument, but I also play guitar and piano, which I use for songwriting and production.
A lot of my growth has come from real-world experience rather than formal training. Performing live, serving a mission, and being immersed in Polynesian culture all shaped my musical identity more than any classroom could.
I’ve released a range of singles across the Pacific, many translated into different island languages. I’ve also performed internationally, including shows in Hawai‘i, Fiji, Utah, and New Zealand, opened for artists like Maoli and Stan Walker, and release alongside my church for the ‘Strive to be’ youth album.
Music started as early as i can remember, just singing and entering local competitions. Over time, it grew into something bigger as I recognised other Māori talent succeeding on social media. I started recording and releasing music in my late teens because of their example, and since then it’s evolved into a full-time career and calling.
Early on, my writing was more surface-level, focused on feelings but not always depth. Now I’m a lot more intentional. I try to tell real stories, especially ones that reflect love, culture, and identity in a way that feels honest and lasting.
Those years were about building momentum and really finding my sound. I was consistent with releases, collaborating across the Pacific, and learning how to connect music with storytelling and visuals. It was a season of growth and discipline.
One of the biggest highlights has been seeing my music connect across different Pacific cultures and languages. Also being able to perform in those islands and build a global audience from something that started so small has been surreal.
Brown Skin felt special because it captured something simple but powerful, the love I have for my wife. Instant love and admiration, rooted in culture. It stood out as something people could feel immediately.
The song is about seeing someone for the first time and being completely drawn to them. not just physically, but emotionally and culturally. It’s about appreciating brown beauty in a way that feels genuine and respectful.
There’s a moment where everything strips back and the emotion really sits in the vocal. That’s probably my favourite. It feels the most honest.
The track came together really naturally in the studio with EdyOnTheBeat. We were working closely across the whole project, so there was already a strong creative chemistry there. A lot of it was built off feeling rather than overthinking, and it clicked pretty quickly. We knew early on that it was something special.
I want people to feel seen, especially brown people. It’s about love, appreciation, and recognising beauty in a way that uplifts.
I work closely with a small creative team including producers, videographers, and collaborators across the Pacific. Distribution is handled through Precise Digital, and I stay pretty hands-on with the creative and marketing side.
‘My Love’ is a collection of stories around love – different stages, emotions, and perspectives. It blends island sounds with modern influences and reflects both personal experiences and cultural identity.
It was more intentional and cohesive than anything I’ve done before. The sound, visuals, and storytelling all aligned, and it felt like a clearer statement of who I am as an artist.
Stan Walker: One Life
Lomez Brown: Stay
Te Wehi: Unaware
Yes, I’ve had New Music Single funding in 2024 and New Music Single Pasifika in 2024 and 2025. Recent funding has supported my EP, including Brown Skin.
Be clear on your vision and your plan. Be intentional and plan.
Every night I lay in bed and watch hours of country music videos. I can draw so much inspo from them.
The video was created with Christian Tjandrawinata, alongside a group of close friends from Hawai’i. It was a really special experience having them be part of it, not just as extras, but as people who genuinely brought the right energy and connection to the story. It made the whole shoot feel authentic and fun, which really comes through on screen.
I just want to say thank you to everyone supporting the music. This is bigger than me, it’s about representing where we come from and sharing that with the world.
