GRACE

APRIL 2004
Issue 47

Noticeboard Interview:

GRACE

R ‘n’ B singer GRACE, came home recently to promote her upcoming album as well at take part in a workshop for a Samoan musical – Aute Ma Tangaloa. When the opportunity came up to become involved in a benefit concert for the Cyclone Heta relief fund, organized by Niu FM, she jumped at the chance. We caught up with the 22 year old who lives in Sydney but still calls herself “100 per cent Kiwi”!

Why is it so important for you to be involved in this benefit concert?

Because it affected both Niue and Tonga – my Mum is from Niue and my Dad is Tongan. It didn’t do so much damage in Tonga but with Niue being so little and the cyclone being so big, it really affected our people over there. Seeing how saddened my Grandparents and Aunties were, I wanted to do something for Niue and when this came about it was perfect.

What would you say to other young people thinking of getting involved in charity work?

Young people today really need positive role models. I think it’s important for them to get involved because that will get them off the streets and involved in something positive. It gives them a chance to show their talent; there are so many Polynesians out there who have so much talent that just goes to waste. For them to come together as a group and be able to do something like this concert is fantastic. We all came together that night; it was a real community thing. (Nesian Mystik and Adeaze, among others, also performed). Seeing the talent that was on that stage was incredible. Anytime I come back here I always think that; its great to see so many brown faces out there – I love it!

What is your style of music?

My music is R ‘n’ B, but I grew up listening to traditional Polynesian music and I definitely want that to be a part of my album. So, my music is R ‘n’ B infused with traditional Polynesian. I’ve always wanted that flavour in there, its something different. I co-wrote MR DJ (her first single) which was amazing because listening to the parts that I created was music to my ears. I just couldn’t believe that I had created something like that. That was the first of many that I will do, I’m looking to collaborate with other producers and songwriters.

What does the future hold for you?

I’m completing my first album this year, I can’t wait for that to happen! We’ll promote it with live performances around New Zealand and Australia. I really want to explore acting too. Its so interesting being able to explore another character. Every time I come back here the reaction has been so positive and everyone is just so open and so helpful. Its been great working with the people over here.
- Waiata Publishing Limited (New Zealand)

ISSUE # 02

INTERVIEW WITH DJ KEN WALKER – “HEY MR DJ”

….What do JAGGED EDGE, J WESS, R&B ANTHEMS COMPILATON and JAMZ radio show all have in common? The answer is DJ KEN WALKER…


…“These days, there is a real cross section in the audience including the commercial market, and the underground market,” says Ken. His new album OFF THE HOOK (Sony Australia’s new Urban R&B compilation by Ken Walker) follows a similar formula focusing on hip-hop with an R& B flavour.

“I focus on hard-to-find remixes, three to four new tracks along with what’s being played in the clubs.”

So what’s different about OFF THE HOOK?

Walker explains with some excitement, “There’s some great Aussie content including Christian Alexanda, J Wess, newcomer from Sydney – GRACE, and the presentation is different” (referring to the ‘80’s funk/disco fashion image on the front cover)…..
- New Edition Pty Ltd

New Zealand Television
TVNZ - "Good Morning Show"
Interview & Live-to-air Performance


New Zealand
Crème Magazine www.crememagazine.co.nz
Interview with Editor, Lydia Chamberlain


New Zealand
Western Leader – Editorial piece
Suburban Newspaper


New Zealand Television
Triangle TV Interview with THE BROWNIES
on THE BROWNIES SHOW
TV 1


New Zealand National Radio
NIU FM – Breakfast Show
Radio Interview with Mario Gao


New Zealand National Radio
NIU FM - Niue Program
Radio Interview with Kenn Makaola


New Zealand National Radio
NIU FM “Radio Tonga”
Radio Interview with Will I’lolahia


New Zealand National Radio
NIU FM “The Beat of the Pacific”
Radio interview with Tuaratini


New Zealand National Radio
NIU FM – Pacific Drive
Radio Interview with Sela


New Zealand National Radio
Live Radio Interview @ Radio Tonga
with Frelimo 'Ilolahia


New Zealand National Radio
Live Radio Interview @ Radio 531 PI
with JD and Mary Breakfast Show


New Zealand National Radio
Live Radio Interview @ Radio 531 PI
Niue Program


New Zealand National Radio
Live Radio Interview @ George FM
“Breakfast Show”


Australian Radio
Koori Radio 93.7fm
Live Radio Interview with Jaunnie 'Ilolahia
'The Killer' Programme


Australian Radio
Koori Radio 93.7fm
Live Radio Interview with Pacific Flava Crew
‘Pacific Flava’ Programme


Australian Radio
Koori Radio 93.7fm
Live Radio Interview with Samoan Dreaming Crew
‘Samoan Dreaming’ Programme
- Media and Interviews 2003/2004