Opetaia Foa’i to Receive 2025 Pacific Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award

^{Opetaia Foa’i with daughter Olivia. Photo: Opetaia Foa’i / Facebook}

Opetaia Foa’i has been named the recipient of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award at this years’ Pacific Music Awards. 

A pioneering artist, cultural ambassador, and founder of the renowned Polynesian band Te Vaka, Foa’i has spent over three decades promoting Pacific stories, languages, and identity through music. Born in Samoa to Tokelauan and Tuvaluan parents, he grew up immersed in traditional rhythms that shaped his unique sound.

Foa’i’s international success includes co-writing for Disney’s Moana and Moana 2, where his song “We Know the Way” brought Pacific languages to global audiences.

“Opetaia has served musically and culturally across generations and nations,” says Rev. Mua, spokesperson for the Pacific Music Awards Trust. “His influence spans from local communities to the world stage.”

With numerous accolades including Pacific Music Awards, New Zealand Music Awards, and Billboard and American Music Awards, Foa’i’s work continues to uplift, inspire, and educate.

Now based in Sydney, he remains active as a creator and mentor, currently working on a new Te Vaka album.

“I’m honoured to receive this award. I hope the next generation continues to proudly carry our culture forward,” says Foa’i.

The Pacific Music Awards will take place on Thursday 21st August 2025, at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau. 

Tickets for the 2025 Pacific Music Awards are available for purchase through Eventfinda.

The 2025 Pacific Music awards will be live streamed by Tagata Pasifika on TP+.

For more information, visit the PMA website. 

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