Talented teens take big stage

Manurewa’s newest crop of music superstars are set to blossom this weekend at the high school talent quest events, Smokefree Pacifica Beats and Smokefree Rockquest on September 23 and 24.

Three of the groups that have qualified for the competitions’ finals are from Manurewa High and they are a rocker, Sonatane Kaufusi; a duo of Henry Ap’e and Nicola Nimo that call themselves Blessed; and a six-member band called Nesian Vibes made up Tina Lilomaiava, Christmas Ale, Moses Ta’ala, Joseph Oti-George, Phillip Tele’a and Wyona Murray.

Sonatane Kaufusi, one of the three finalists at Smokefree Rockquest and will be competing against a former schoolmate Cam Dawson for a holiday to Fiji.

‘‘Seeing Cam on TV inspired me to get into the competition. I want to be there too.’’

Dawson represented Manurewa High and won the second spot at Smokefree Rockquest 2014.

Sonatane who wrote his first song when he was seven, writes about family and life. He looks up to Michael Buble and Kiwi musician Louis Baker.

While Rockquest is open to everyone, Pacifica Beats appreciates the cultural identity of Aotearoa and the South Pacific.

Smokefree Pacifica Beats will see Blessed in the duo category and Nesian Vibes in the band category.

In 2011, Manurewa High School won Smokefree Pacifica Beats with Rubberband that featured Moses’ brother.

Blessed will perform their songs, Intangible and Forget It. Artists like John Legend and Lauryn Hill have inspired this duo to create new sounds.

‘‘There’s a lot of gospel background,’’ says Henry who sings in the church choir too.

Tupac Shakur is the biggest influence on the band.

The school’s music teacher and Music Education New Zealand member, Tim Randle does his best to encourage the students and says that sometimes ‘‘they practice for almost 20 hours a week’’.

At Smokefree Pacifica Beats, the first prize for the band category includes NZ$10,000 musical equipment from the Rockshop, a studio recording opportunity and a music video from NZ on Air.

The first prize for the solo/duo category is NZ$3,000 musical equipment from the Rockshop, a studio recording opportunity and a music video from NZ on Air.

‘‘They practice for almost 20 hours a week’’