The top honour at the Pacific Music Awards last night went to the Mt Vaea Band, which was founded in 1970 in Samoa.
The band won the Best Pacific Album award for an album mixing smooth Pacific sounds and urban beats in a line up including Porirua's Pop Rappers Beatrootz and soul act Cydel.
The life achievement award was won by Bill Sevesi, whose steel guitar playing made the genre popular in New Zealand... while hip hop artist Dei Hamo took the award for that music style and best male artist.
The Best Pacific Artist was Annie Puletiuatoa, who edged out NZ Idol winner Rosita Vai.
Richard Recalde won most promising artist and the South Auckland artist Savage won best song.
