Three moments that carried Pacific artists — and the Pacific flag — in front of a global audience this month.
SZA waves the flags
During her tour across New Zealand, Aotearoa, and Australia, SZA pays homage to the Pacific Islands by proudly waving their flags while performing on stage.
“Pacific Islands to the world.”
— SZA, via @sopkayyy on TikTok
62baby and “starlites”
You might have encountered it upon its initial release, caught a glimpse on someone's Instagram story or post, or stumbled upon it in a TikTok video. 62baby, the 21-year-old Samoan artist hailing from Kearns, Utah, is the creative force behind the track “starlites,” which has been making waves across the global Pasifika community. He shares the heartfelt inspiration behind the song with us: “starlites” was born from his desire to impart wisdom to his niece, navigating the complexities of this challenging world. Growing up in a family of traditional 9-5 workers, he witnessed the struggle firsthand, igniting a determination within him to chart a different course for the next generation.
Initially disliking the song, 62baby's affection for “starlites” blossomed as he received messages from friends, recounting how they played it in churches, kalapus, and family events. This newfound appreciation not only gained his confidence but also reignited his passion for music, rooted in his upbringing singing in church. He expresses gratitude to everyone who has embraced his music, acknowledging the impact of seeing his art resonate with people from all corners of the globe.
In a humble nod to those who paved the way for him in Utah's music scene, he extends his thanks to artists like Jayrome, Ceefoe, Khss, and Bennifetts, recognizing their contributions in reshaping the landscape and paving the way for emerging talents like himself.
“Starlites catch a flight to my domain.”
From working security for NBA YoungBoy to making a song together
Rom3 shares with us the story of how his song with NBA YoungBoy came to be. While working security for NBA YoungBoy, he was caught singing on camera. Impressed, NBA YoungBoy invited him inside to guard the studio doors, then encouraged him to find a beat and record. The result? Their collaborative track, “Down 4 You,” which is currently out now! Rom3 credits his wife and Spawnbreezie for motivating him to share his voice more widely.
“This was a dope experience, and just hearing the feedback from NBA YoungBoy about how good my voice is — is really dope.”
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, May 2024 (Vol. 1 No. 1).
May 2024 · Digital Magazine
