Kawerau Musician Proving Small-Town Dreams Can Go Big

18-year-old artist Nikau Grace has earned two Aotearoa Music Award nominations while preparing for her first solo show.

Kawerau-raised singer-songwriter Nikau Grace says it is “insane” to be nominated alongside some of Aotearoa’s biggest artists after earning two nominations at this year’s Aotearoa Music Awards.

Grace has been nominated in the Mana Reo category for her waiata He Aha Te Aha, featuring Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue, as well as the People’s Choice Award.

Originally commissioned for Waiata Anthems last year, the waiata reflects on the experiences of Māori Battalion soldiers and the sentiments shared by the battalion’s longest surviving member, Sir Bom Gillies.

“One of the lines is what was the point, what was the reason, and something Koro Bom said in almost every interview he ever did is moumou, waste, if he could do it again he wouldn't.

“And so we wanted to acknowledge that side of it too.”

Grace said it was special to see the waiata continue resonating with audiences, particularly around ANZAC Day.

“When I saw it popping up again for ANZAC Day, I was like oh my gosh, it's for a particular reason.

“But the fact that it's been nominated especially amongst people like Marlon Williams, Stan Walker, my uncle Rob Ruha, all of these incredible people who I look up to, it's just insane to me.”

The nomination also recognised the work of producer Kings, mātanga reo Dr Jeremy MacLeod and Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue, whose Māori Battalion-themed bracket won Te Matatini earlier this year, she said.

The People’s Choice nomination came as another surprise.

“I looked through and I was like, what the heck, why is my name up with all these insane people?

“But no, it's an honour and it's a privilege.”

Grace said having 'He Aha Te Aha' recognised has been humbling and rewarding for all involved in the waiata. IMAGE: Supplied.

At only 18-years-old, Grace said the recognition had reinforced her belief that she could make an impact through music and inspire other young people, particularly wāhine Māori.

Since the age of 10, she and her mother have set career goals and timelines together, many of which she has already achieved.

A major motivation has been challenging stereotypes about small towns such as Kawerau and Whakatāne.

“It is a stereotype that if you're from Kawerau or if you're from Whakatāne, these kind of smaller areas, you're not really going to amount to anything.

“And so my whole goal in life has been to diminish those stereotypes and to make people think, actually, is this a fact?”

Grace said her mother, a primary school principal, had seen tamariki become inspired by her achievements.

“I've still got dreams and goals and aspirations that I'm wanting to reach, but I'm so glad that in doing so, and on my journey so far, I've been able to show other kids that they can do the same.”

Currently studying classical voice at the University of Waikato, Grace said she is continuing to dream big, with hopes to release an EP and begin touring.

The course, alongside artists such as Raye and Olivia Dean as inspirations for her songwriting and musical style currently.

"Lots of the vibe that I strive for is based on some of their stuff.

"I just look at them, and they're these amazing young women who, are finally getting the recognition that they deserve and so for me, looking at them and how long they've actually been in the industry it gives me hope that maybe that could happen to me one day."

Next month, Grace will perform her first solo show at the Wintergarden at the Civic in Auckland, featuring both classical and pop music centred around influential women.

“The storyline is around incredible women, trailblazers, people who broke stereotypes in their time.

“So I've either chosen songs written by amazing women or written about amazing women.”

Alongside performing her own songs about identity and personal experiences, she hopes to create a comfortable, joyous envrionment for all walks of life. 

Grace is looking forward to her first solo performance on June 27th. IMAGE: Supplied

Grace, alongside numerous ither Eastern Bay artists will be attending the music awards on the 28th of May. 

Decorated artists Te Wehi and Hori Shaw are finalists Best Māori Artist, Best Roots Artist, Radio Airplay Record of the Year, and will perform their song Ready to Ride which is up for Single of the Year. 

Te Wehi is also nominated for Breakthrough Artist of the Year. 

Rob Ruha and Troy Kingi are nominated for their waiata Matariki Hunga Nui in the Mana Reo Category. 

Ruha has also been nominated for Peoples' Choice category. 

Grace said although she has had the priviledge of attending the Music Awards before, she is still going to be "fangirling" over the artists present. 

"Looking around, it was like, oh my gosh, I know them, oh, I know her, I know him, it was so cool.

"So pretty much I'll just be doing the same thing."

She said she is looking forward to the celebrations and what is yet to come.