Neo-soul RnB band Jam & Jelly from Papatoetoe High School in Tāmaki Makaurau have taken out the national final of the 2020 Smokefree Tangata Beats competition.

Jam & Jelly are Skylah Hewett (vocals), Ozarius Tu’ua (guitar), Joseph Nio (drums), Caitlin Jenkins (bass and backing vocals), Ipolani Magalei (keyboard) and Flo Akauola on electric guitar.

Rotorua Boys’ High School students Te Ara Pounamu Pukeroa (acoustic guitar, vocals), Uale Lefaoseu (vocals), Terrence Katipa (vocals), Totorewa Malcolm (vocals) and Whareporera Hare-Herbert (bass, drums), who make up T.T.R.U. (pronounced ‘true’) from took out second place. Red Wav from Aorere College placed third.

The Solo/Duo section award went to singer-songwriter Imani-J (Alyahna Sanson-Rejouis) from Nelson, who, at just 12 years, was the youngest national finalist in this year’s competition.

The judges were musicians Seth Haapu and Priya Sami, along with Ash Wallace from NZ On Air. Other awards from the national final were:

Musicianship Awards

• Becky Devine (bass player of Sixth Sense) from Gisborne Girls High School
• Manaia Garrett (drummer and vocalist of 2k Rhythm) from Tologa Bay Area School

Mana Wahine Award

Praize from Manurewa High School

Smokefree Best Vocals Award

Abigail Ikurere (Authentic) from Alfriston College

Best Song Award

LeTreal Ross from New Plymouth Boys High School

Te Reo Award

The Pig Hunters (now known as The Young Guns) from Taipa Area School

Entrants in Smokefree Tangata Beats competed in their regions over winter months from Invercargill to Whangarei. The national finalists were selected from videos sent by the regional winners and because of Covid-19, the final showcase this year was streamed live online.

Previous Smokefree Tangata Beats standout successes include Nesian Mystik, Ria Hall, Spacifix, Adeaze, Strangely Arousing and Alien Weaponry.