Independent Music NZ has announced the 2022 recipient of the Classic Record is the seminal 1994 album ‘Proud – An Urban-Pacific Streetsoul Compilation’.

The award annually acknowledges one Aotearoa New Zealand record, released over 20 years ago on an independent label – albums that continue to inspire and define who we are. Like the Taite Music Prize itself, the Classic Record is critically judged for artistic merit, creativity, innovation and excellence, irrespective of album sales or achievements.

Compiled by Phil Fuemana, Tim Mahon and producer Alan Jansson, ‘PROUD’ sought to profile the contemporary Māori and Pacifica music of the time. The compilation featured Sisters Underground, Pacifican Descendants, Semi MCs, MC Slam, Radio Backstab, DJ Payback and, of course, the Otara Millionaires Club.

Chosen by the IMNZ board for this inaugural year, the finalists NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism awards have also unveiled. They are:

• Under The Radar editors; Chris Cudby and Annabel Kean
• ‘Aotearoa Hip Hop: The Music, The People, The History’ Podcast creators; DJ Sirvere and Martyn Pepperell
• RNZ Music’s The Sampler producer and journalist; Tony Stamp
• 95bFM producer Jess Fu for radio series Long Player, “Milk III – Reuben Winter” episode.