Going by the list of 2017 Pacific Music Awards finalists published last night, Pasifika music is thriving.

The finalists this year are, among others, artists whose tunes the whole world can hum along to, like the team behind the soundtrack of Disney’s blockbuster Moana, local record breaking chart toppers, legendary stalwarts of the scene, dazzlingly talented newcomers, some of our finest voices, conscious lyricists, beatmakers and activists.

In addition to the categories listed below, the ceremony will also present a Lifetime Achievement Award, a Radio Airplay Award, one for the Most Promising Pacific Artist, and a People’s Choice Award.

“These awards are presented to individuals who have made a significant impact on the industry and to the lives of people around them. It will be an honour to celebrate their achievements and Pacific culture at the award ceremony,” says Pacific Music Awards Trust spokesperson Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua.

The trust is pleased about the strong competition this year.

“This is the 13th year of the Pacific Music Awards, and every season brings more fresh talent and vision to our stage. The number of achievements within the Pacific music community is something we should all be proud of,” adds Strickson-Pua.

Pacific Music Awards finalists:

Best Pacific Female Artist Award:

• Aaradhna
• La Coco
• Olivia Foa’i

NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist Award:

• Kings
• Savage
• Tommy Nee

Best Pacific Urban Artist Award:

• Kings
• SWIDT
• Three Houses Down

Best Pacific Group Award:

• Three Houses Down
• Tomorrow People
• Unity Pacific

NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video Award:

• Aaradhna: Welcome to the Jungle (directed by Sophie Findlay)
• Parri$: Friday (directed by Parris Goebel)
• Three Houses Down feat. General Fiyah: Love & Affection (directed by Samson Rambo)

APRA Best Pacific Song Award:

• Aaradhna: Brown Girl
• Kings: Don’t Worry Bout’ It
• Opetaia Foa’i: We Know The Way (written by Opetaia Foa’i and Lin-Manuel Miranda)

Best Pacific Language Award:

• Annie Grace: Loimata o le Fiafia
• Olivia Foa’i: Tulou Tagaloa
• Vai Mahina/Sulata Foa’i-Amiatu, Matthew Ineleo: An Innocent Warrior

Best Pacific Gospel Artist Award:

• Annie Grace
• La Coco
• Revere

Best International Pacific Artist Award:

• J Boog
• Kylie Auldist
• CRSB

Recorded Music NZ Best Pacific Music Album Award:

• Aaradhna – Brown Girl
• Kings
• Unity Pacific

MAINZ Best Producer Award:

• Kings
• Dee Letoa
• SmokeyGotBeatz