NIU KIDZ ON THE BLOCK Block Party

As part of the wider celebrations of the Auckland Arts Festival, “NIU KIDZ ON THE BLOCK!” brings together a powerful lineup of emerging and established Pasifika and Māori artists for an afternoon of music, culture and community.

Artists featured as part of the NIU KIDZ ON THE BLOCK Block Party:

Junior Soqeta

Falling in-between the cracks of Reggae, RnB, Soul, Gospel and Pacific Island Music, Junior Soqeta has an extensive cultural knowledge of music and its evolution. His unique take on the industry reflects his years of involvement and commitment to his craft: from studying it academically to participating in live shows. From euphony to cacophony, Junior’s experiences allow him to understand a variety of sounds that form the collective whole of culture's ever-changing landscape. Becoming familiar with creating music that resonates with audiences; by incorporating traditional elements into modern sounds, He has been able to cultivate a fanbase of diverse generations. In addition to sharing his own original creations, Junior has had the privilege of also mentoring upcoming talent - showing them how to curate songs that capture hearts as well as minds. His efforts are part of a larger mission to ensure that these music styles do not become lost or forgotten in today’s society.

JUGA

JUGA is a 20-year-old Alternative R&B artist based in Central Auckland, Aotearoa. In 2025, she released her single “Late Night Talking” to critical acclaim, working alongside producer, EDYONTHEBEAT. JUGA has continued to build momentum as one of Aotearoa’s most exciting emerging voices. In 2026 she is currently collaborating with producer/artist, HALES, working on a new music project, starting with her upcoming single titled “BAD JEANS” which is set to release March 13th.

Miracle Fasavalu

Miracle Fasavalu was raised in spaces where music was constant — from church halls to family gatherings filled with song. Performance was never separate from life; it was part of growing up.

Having taken the stage in productions and music festivals before audiences of more than 7,000, he brings experience without losing authenticity. Rooted in soul and storytelling, Miracle delivers performances that are grounded, powerful, and deeply connected.

VITINIA (Gaby Togiatama)

Vitinia (pronounced vee-tee-nee-ah ), is a Fijian-Niuean sister and creative from South Auckland.

Her creative journey includes lead theatre roles, (Macbeth 2016; Southside Rise 2018, The Blackfriars Theatre Company), mentoring rangatahi during ‘WORD: The Front Line’ inter-high-school poetry competitions, (Wesley College 2023-2025), solo performances (including Slice of Southside 2025 and Hologa Niue Cultural Festival 2026), and an international showcase, performing alongside the Royal Family Dance Crew at the DubaiExpo 2022.

Since her artist debut in late 2024, Vitinia has released a soulfully conscious, hiphop infused eight-track project, ‘SHILOH,’ and contributed Niuean songs to the Pacific Music Awards Trust’s revitalization project, ‘ Hiva Folau Vaka,’ including her collaboration with Eseta from the album, ‘ Penina He Moana.’ She also released her first single, ‘Someone Like Me,’ and bagged over 20 shows across Taamaki Makaurau – including opening for psychedelic indie band, MIRAGE, and most recently, the underground hiphop collective, From Outside.

Jordyn with a Why

Growing up in the suburban-scapes of South Auckland, Jordyn has quickly impacted theAotearoa music scene with her bilingual (Māori and English) soulful sounds. Descending fromWhāingaroa, Mulifanua Lalovi, Falelatai and Vaimoso, the stories are woven throughout her music.

2024 saw the release of Jordyn’s debut album, Hibiscus Moon, Love & Justice, ranked asnumber 47 in Rolling Stone Australia NZ’s ’80 Best NZ Albums of the 2020s So Far.’ A reo-rua (bilingual) sonic love letter to the realities of urban indigenous.

Warmly embraced by Aotearoa’s music industry, Jordyn was awarded the 2023 Māori Music Awards Best Female Artist and the 2024 APRA Silver Scroll Maioha Award. In 2025, she was a finalist in two categories at the Aotearoa Music Awards and three categories at thePacific Music Awards, where she took home Best Pacific Music Album for Hibiscus Moon,Love & Justice.

Audiences have praised Jordyn’s stage presence and dynamic, nestling into the soulful vibes somewhere between R&B and neo-soul with the occasional pop bend. Jordyn’s ‘why’ is in and through her music - she tells the stories of language reclamation, identity and cultural heritage.

Evander Folau & Brotherhood Musiq

Evander is a south Auckland raised Samoan R&B EVANDER is a South Auckland–raised Samoan R&B artist whose music blends soul, faith, and Pacific heritage. Known for her compelling live presence, she creates songs that feel intimate yet expansive. With a growing catalogue of independent releases, like “Now You Know” & recently released single “Yours Tonight”, EVANDER explores love, growth, and self-discovery through rich harmonies and honest lyricism - connecting with audiences in ways that linger beyond the stage.

Saaz

Saale Ilaua is a graduate of the Unitec School of Screen and Performing Arts (2016). Saale has been singing since the day he could walk and music is a gift which was passed on from his Mother Silika. Saale is a current member of the band, Island Vibes Funk.

Lalaga Youth Ambassadors

The Lalaga Youth Ambassadors are an exciting collective of 30 young people from the region of Taranaki. They are supported by the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery & the Vaimoana Trust. The Ambassadors represent Pasifika excellence in regional Aotearoa and they have an impressive repertoire of Pasifika songs from Melanesia, Micronesia & Polynesia which represent 11 different countries and languages.