Digital Magazine/February 2025
PMN+ February 2025 cover
DIGITAL MAGAZINE

February 2025

Pacific music, sport and culture, first. Our February issue leads with Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. and the Blood, Sweat and Tears documentary, and runs from Pana and Cult Romance to Team Samoa MMA, Coach Johnny Nansen and Super Bowl LIX.

Vol. 2 No. 216 stories
IN THIS ISSUE

16 stories

Estevan Oriol and Kobra of Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E., PMN+ February 2025 cover feature
MUSICBoo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E.: Blood, Sweat, and TearsLegendary, iconic, trailblazing. Estevan Oriol and Kobra on the documentary telling the story of the first Samoan brothers to break hip-hop.Queenie Taua'a
Pana, the Oahu producer behind Island Reggae hits including “Your Lovin’ Is Enough”
MUSICProduced by PanaThe Oahu producer behind “Your Lovin’ Is Enough” and “Utu Bang Bang” on church drums, a music business degree, and why bad business kills passion.Keilani Mayo
Cult Romance, Māori producer, singer and songwriter from the Gold Coast
MUSICBreaking Barriers: Cult RomanceThe 22-year-old Māori artist from the Gold Coast on Te Reo Māori in alternative rock, going fully independent, and three generations of getting the language back.Keilani Mayo
Kill the Bill artwork by Evie Noad (Critic Magazine), PMN+ February 2025
COMMUNITYTreaty Principle Bill SubmissionSubmissions closed on a bill written without Māori consultation. In Auckland, a sub-a-thon concert turned music into advocacy and brought in 661 of them.Aliyah Tautuhi-Fraser
A Team Samoa MMA fighter draped in the Samoan flag after GAMMA Worldwide 2024
SPORTSTeam Samoa MMA: The Baby Nansen BreakdownTen medals from GAMMA Worldwide 2024 and third in the world. The Le’auva’a and Vailima fighter on a self-funded trip, making weight, and Samoa mo Samoa.Queenie Taua'a
Johnny Nansen, co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Texas
SPORTSCoach Johnny Nansen: From Samoa to the College Football PlayoffTexas’ co-defensive coordinator on the 4 T’s, being the first in his family to go to college, and telling his players to enjoy the moment.Kaylyn Brown
An artist performing at Holo Holo Music Festival in Oceanside, California
MUSICHolo Holo Oceanside: 5 Artists, 1 DayCommon Kings, Josh Tatofi, Spawnbreezie, K’Nova and 8ro8 opened the year at Frontwave Arena. The standout moments from each set.Queenie Taua'a
The main stage and crowd at One Love NZ, Aotearoa’s biggest reggae festival
MUSICOne Love NZ: Aotearoa’s Biggest Reggae FestivalTree opened with a siva Samoa, Corella brought a haka, and Layzie Bone wore the Tino Rangatiratanga flag. Inside the Pacific’s biggest reggae gathering.Aliyah Tautuhi-Fraser
An artist performing at The LOGIN concert
MUSICThe LOGINFans flew in from America, Australia and Aotearoa. Revus’ intro video — from gang culture to the stage — was the night’s moment.Aliyah Tautuhi-Fraser
The Johnson siblings — Shania, Batchlor and Corey — with their grandmother Barbara Lynn pictured
MUSICDreams to FruitionShania, Batchlor and Corey Johnson — three siblings, a Samoan mother, a rapper father and a grandmother who cut “You’ll Lose a Good Thing” in 1963.Tyler Pasa
The cast of Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana at the world premiere in Waikiki
ENTERTAINMENTWitnessing History: Cirque du Soleil ‘AuanaThe first Cirque du Soleil production in Hawai’i, performed entirely in Hawaiian. Dancers Oriana and Fa’afetai Lulu on standing on their parents’ shoulders.Lanea Lutali
Super Bowl LIX — the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles
SPORTSSuper Bowl SundayChiefs versus Eagles at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Out of 32 teams, two are left. Who are you rooting for?Queenie Taua'a
College football players ahead of the 2025 CFP National Championship
SPORTSCollege Football Playoffs: The Pasifika PlayersOhio State meets Notre Dame for the national championship. Five players of Pacific descent, and what they carry onto the field.Queenie Taua'a
Otai, the Tongan fruit drink — PMN+ February 2025 op-ed
CULTUREOtai Is Healthy for You?An op-ed on Tonga’s famous drink, refined versus real sugar, and the one thing that actually decides it: portion control.Keilani Mayo
The PMN+ Valentine’s Day cut-out love coupons, February 2025
CULTURELove Coupons: Cut Out and Send to Your LoverSix coupons for the month of love. Redeemable at your lover’s discretion.Queenie Taua'a
The PMN+ February 2025 playlist
MUSICThe February 2025 PlaylistTen tracks for the month of love — throwbacks, recent hits and fresh ones.Queenie Taua'a