Karoline Tamati, better known as Ladi6, is the lone musician among the nine creatives announced as 2023 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureates, receiving the Theresa Gattung Female Arts Practitioners Award.

Established in 2000, the awards celebrate the country’s most outstanding artists across a range of disciplines. Each Laureate is recognised for their outstanding practice as well as their significant impact, and receives a $35,000 gift.

As a vocalist, MC and truth-teller, the consistent evolution of Ladi6 has firmly cemented her as Aotearoa’s undisputed Queen of hip hop, soul and RnB. Ladi6 today is the group project of vocalist Ladi and a trio of accomplished Kiwi producers; her husband Parks, drummer Julien Dyne and keyboardist Brandon Haru, all renowned for pushing the boundaries of electronic soul music.