Created as part of the Pacific Music Awards Trust‘s 20th anniversary celebrations, Hiva Folau Vaka – Vaka Carrying Music supports the creation of new original songs in Pacific languages. It is the legacy project for the PMA Trust aimed at revitalisation of our Pacific languages.   

PMA are calling for Pasifika artists who would like to create and record songs in the languages of Vagahau Niue, Te Gagana Tokelau and Te Reo Māori Kuki Airani. The project is open to Pasifika artists of all genres and experience, with the outcome to have completed recordings ready for release.  The Hiva Folau Vaka project involves a village approach, bringing a collective together for three days with all the elements provided for the artists, including experienced producers, knowledge holders, language experts and quality recording studios.  

Collective gatherings have been updated to:  
April 2025 – Ahumairangi Studio, Massey University, Wellington
May 2025 – Big Pop Studios, Auckland

Interested artists should email pacificmusicawardstrust@gmail.com to confirm and the Trust will send application details which need to be submitted by March 21. Artists will be asked to share information about themselves, the details for the song they wish to create, which language(s) they will include; what support they require; and their release and promotion plan.