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Troy Kingi and his band have won the Taite Award for their deep roots / reggae album Holy Colony Burres Acres.
Named for the late Dylan Taite, one of New Zealand’s most respected music journalists, the Taite Music Award celebrates exceptional creativity on an album.
Also honored at tonight’s online ceremony was New Zealand musician Shona Laing, who received the Classic album award for his iconic 1987 album South. The award highlights iconic New Zealand records that continue to inspire today.
Shona Laing – South
Photo: Album cover
“It is wonderful,” Shona said upon receiving the honor, “It is the sweetest award I think I have ever had.”
Music industry legend Murray Cammick was awarded Independent Spirit Award, which celebrates a New Zealander whose work in the music industry helps the growth of local musicians and creatives alike.
Cammick has been an exemplary off-roader in the music industry since the 1970s, and has contributed through his work in photography, journalism, radio and more. He co-founded the seminal music magazine RipItUp in 1977 and with Simon Lynch launched Southside Records in 1989 (Moana and the Moa Hunters, Upper Hutt Posse, Ngaire).
Cammick documented important cultural moments, including Bob Marley’s visit to Aotearoa in 1979. His “fly on the wall” approach meant he could capture rare and unique moments from big stars like Iggy Pop, George Benson, Debbie Harry, and Siouxie Sioux.
Millie Lovelock – Disgusting Woman
Photo: supplied
Dunedin-based songwriter Repulsive Woman, aka Millie Lovelock, took home Best Independent Debutfor your album Relief.
The ceremony was broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern making an appearance.
She recognized the depth of loss that the music industry has felt as a result of COVID-19.
“These are uncertain times, but what I am sure of is that our music industry will be a vital contributor to New Zealand’s recovery and we are working hard as a government to ensure that the arts are at the center of our revitalization.”
Troy Kingi’s winning album Holy Colony Buring Acres is an electrifying deep-rooted / reggae record from the 1970s that plunges into indigenous politics, namely colonization and the devastating effects it has had around the world.
Kingi said he thought he had no chance of winning, and that it was “crazy” for him to do so.
He thanked Triple O Records, RedRoom Studios, Matt Smith, the upper class, their management and aunts, among others.
“All my indigenous brothers and sisters who sent, and we had hundreds of them sending poems, karakia, stories, thoughts. All of you who didn’t make it to the album and those who did make it to the album, each of you made this album what it is , so thank you very much.
“It’s us. This album is us, so thanks.”
He said he was “super humiliated” to win the award, and thanked all the finalists for their art: “You are all amazing.”
Kingi said he had an amazing year last year and that he was looking forward to the future.
The record is the third installment in Kingi’s 10/10/10 series: 10 albums in 10 genres in 10 years. Look out for your next project that will be featured later this year!
Receives a $ 12,500 cash prize from the founding partner of the Taite Music Award, Recorded Music NZ; recording time at Red Bull Studios in Auckland; and one year of supply of Red Bull products.
