Vanuatu hip hop artist Mantis (Ethan-Xavier Hakwa) has been crowned the winner of ABC Radio Australia’s prestigious Pacific Break 2025 competition. His powerful track, “Weatherman,” captivated judges and triumphed over hundreds of original entries from 18 Pacific nations, marking a significant moment for the ni-Vanuatu music scene and the burgeoning Vanuatu hip hop movement. This win signifies a major step forward for Vanuatu hip hop, showcasing the global appeal of Vanuatu music and the impact of Pacific music on the global stage. The success of Vanuatu hip hop is undeniable.
Mantis’s winning song, “Weatherman,” is a compelling narrative that addresses the pressing issue of climate change music and extreme weather conditions affecting Vanuatu and the broader Pacific region. The hip hop artist, who fluidly incorporates Bislama, French, and English into his lyrics, drew inspiration from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and classic U.S. West Coast hip-hop to craft his impactful submission for the Vanuatu hip hop category. The track was expertly produced by fellow Vanuatu artists Vanboii and Wilz, further showcasing the depth of talent within Vanuatu hip hop. This is a landmark achievement for Vanuatu hip hop.
“I knew that this song was special, and I see why now,” Mantis shared upon hearing the news. “I’m super grateful for my team. When we started doing this music stuff, it was really underground and like, we’re still kind of underground now, but even though we struggle we still pursue this because it’s our passion.” He expressed his hope that his success will serve as a stepping stone for the development of the hip-hop and rap music scene in Vanuatu, further cementing the presence of Vanuatu hip hop.
Mantis’s Journey in Vanuatu Hip Hop
Mantis, born and raised in Vanuatu with Tongan and Papua New Guinean heritage, began his musical journey in 2014 with the rap group Confliction. His formative years in music involved developing his craft in church, eventually leading to performances at various local events. After moving to New Zealand to pursue university studies, he released his first album, “Personal Therapy,” a project born from his personal experiences and challenges during that time, including homesickness, anxiety, and depression. This early work laid the groundwork for his future contributions to Vanuatu hip hop, a testament to the growing Vanuatu hip hop scene.
Upon his return to Vanuatu in 2022, Mantis, alongside other members of Confliction, established Kele Productions. This music production business aims to nurture and support emerging artists, providing them with a creative space to develop their talent. This commitment to fostering the local music industry underscores his dedication to the growth of hip hop in his home country, particularly the vibrant Vanuatu hip hop scene.
Pacific Break 2025: A Platform for Vanuatu Hip Hop Talent
Pacific Break, organized by ABC Radio Australia, is recognized as the largest music competition in the Pacific region, serving as a vital platform for original and unsigned artists. The competition, which has been running since 2008 and returned in 2022, opens submissions annually to artists from across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. This year’s competition saw a high caliber of entries, with Mantis’s “Weatherman” standing out for its lyrical depth, energetic delivery, and commanding presence, a true representation of modern Vanuatu hip hop.
The judging panel for Pacific Break 2025 comprised esteemed figures from the music industry, including PNG-born Australian musician Ngaiire, Fijian artist and label head Joji Malani, and ABC Radio Australia music presenters Hau Lātūkefu and Sose Fuamoli, alongside WOMADelaide Associate Director Annette Tripodi. They lauded Mantis’s sophisticated interpretation of his roots and culture, highlighting his dynamism and skill as a lyricist and performer, all while championing Vanuatu hip hop.
As the winner of Pacific Break 2025, Mantis receives an all-expenses-paid trip to perform at WOMADelaide in March 2026, Australia’s largest international festival of music, arts, and dance. This provides a significant international platform for the Vanuatu hip hop artist to showcase his unique style and sound to a global audience, a major win for Vanuatu hip hop.
A Milestone for Vanuatu Music and Vanuatu Hip Hop
Mantis’s victory is particularly noteworthy as it marks the second time a ni-Vanuatu artist has won the Pacific Break title. The inaugural winners in 2008 were the reggae group 26 Roots from the island of Santo. This achievement by Mantis not only highlights his individual talent but also contributes to the growing recognition of Vanuatu’s diverse music industry on the international stage. His success brings a fresh wave of hip hop news to the forefront, showcasing the potential for contemporary music to address important social and environmental themes while celebrating cultural identity, a testament to the power of Vanuatu hip hop.
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