Nesian Mystik
| Company type | Group or band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Defunct | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Auckland , New Zealand |
| Products | Hip-hop and R&B music, albums, singles |
Nesian Mystik was a New Zealand-based group blending hip-hop and R&B, established in 1999. The members represented a rich mix of Polynesian heritage, including Cook Island, Tongan, Samoan, and Maori roots. They set a national record with the highest number of Top 10 singles in New Zealand and have performed alongside global stars like Robbie Williams, Missy Elliott, Shaggy, and The Black Eyed Peas. After producing four commercially acclaimed albums and earning several New Zealand Music Award nominations, the group dissolved in 2011.
History
The origin of Nesian Mystik dates back to 1999 within the music room of Auckland's Western Springs College. Except for Feleti Strickson-Pua, who was a student at St Paul's College, all founding members attended Western Springs. Initially performing under the name "Tropical Penguins" for a school talent event, the group consisted of Te Awanui "Awa" Reeder, Donny "Tha Kid Oldwun" McNulty, Junior "Junz" Rikiau, David "Dmon Finguz" Atai, Heathdale "Notiq" Manukau, and Feleti "Sabre" Strickson-Pua. The transition to the name Nesian Mystik emphasized their Polynesian identity and shaped their fusion of R&B and hip-hop genres. This ensemble secured victory at the regional Pasifika Beats competition.
Polysaturated (2002–2003)
In November 2002, Nesian Mystik unveiled their first album, Polysaturated, which entered the New Zealand album chart at number one and earned Gold certification in its debut week. Seven months later, it maintained a position within the top 10 and achieved quadruple Platinum status. The album featured four singles that reached the top ten: 'Nesian Style', 'It's On', 'For The People', and 'Unity'. Additionally, the fifth single, 'Brothaz', was included in the soundtrack of the Polynesian movie Sione's Wedding.
Freshmen (2005–2006)
Their sophomore album, Freshmen, was released in November 2005, debuting at number eight on the New Zealand Album Charts. Singles from this project included 'What's Next?', 'If It's Cool', "Robin Hood Heroes", and "So Good". The album achieved Gold certification during its initial week. The band characterized this release as "a feel good album," drawing inspiration from Old Skool, Soul, Funk, R&B, and Hip Hop influences while showcasing more refined production techniques.
Elevator Musiq (2008–2009)
On 27 October 2008, Nesian Mystik launched their third studio album titled Elevator Musiq. The name symbolizes both the ambition to have their music played universally—even in elevators—and their goal to uplift their artistic expression. This album generated three top ten singles: "Nesian 101", "Dancefloor", and "Mr Mista", featuring collaborations with Che Fu, Kimbra, and Cydel. "Nesian 101" claimed the number one spot on the New Zealand RIANZ Singles Chart and received Platinum certification. "Dancefloor" reached number ten, while "Mr Mista" earned Gold status and remained on the Top 40 Singles Chart for 17 weeks, peaking at number three. Their single "R.S.V.P." attained number nine on the charts, marking Nesian Mystik's tenth Top Ten hit in New Zealand—a historic achievement as they became the first local artist to reach this milestone.
99 A.D. (2009 – Present)
The band's fourth studio effort, 99 A.D., was launched on 26 July 2010. It included the lead track "Sacrifice," which had been introduced in late 2009. Their follow-up single, "Sun Goes Down," achieved a peak position of number three on New Zealand's singles chart, becoming their eleventh and final entry to reach the top ten.
Farewell Tour (2011)
On 27 July 2010, Nesian Mystik appeared for a farewell performance on Close Up prior to their disbandment. The farewell tour featured performances at the Ragamuffin in February 2011, followed by a show at the Homegrown Festival in March 2011.
Nesian Mystik holds the distinction of having the highest number of top-10 singles by any New Zealand artist on the New Zealand singles chart, with a total of eleven singles surpassing the previous record of six held by Crowded House. Their last top 10 single, "Sun Goes Down," reached number three in February 2010.
Awards
The group achieved considerable commercial acclaim and received multiple awards throughout their career, including:
|- | 2001 | Nesian Mystik | 2001 Mai Time Awards – Mataariki Award for Most Promising Up and Coming Act | |- | 2002 | | 2002 Juice TV Awards – Best Hip-Hop/RnB Video Award | |- | 2003 | Nesian Mystik | 2003 NZ Music Awards – Best Urban Group | |- | 2003 | Nesian Mystik | 2003 NZ Music Awards – Peoples Choice Award | |- | 2003 | "For The People" | 2003 APRA Silver Scroll Award | |- | 2003 | | 2003 bNet Awards – Best Hip Hop Release | |- | 2003 | | 2003 NZ Entertainment Awards – Album of the Year | |- | 2008 | "Nesian 101" | 2008 Juice TV Awards – Juice Hip Hop Music Video Award | |- | 2009 | Nesian Mystik | 2009 MTV Australia Awards – Best Kiwi Act | |- | 2009 | Nesian Mystik | 2009 Pacific Music Awards – Best Pacific Urban Artist | |- | 2009 | Nesian Mystik | 2009 Pacific Music Awards – Best Pacific Group | |- | 2009 | Elevator Musiq | 2009 Pacific Music Awards – Pacific Music Album | |- | 2009 | "Nesian 101" | 2009 Pacific Music Awards – APRA Best Song | |- | 2009 | Nesian Mystik | 2009 Waiata Māori Music Awards – Best Māori Urban Artist | |- | 2009 | Nesian Mystik | 2009 Waiata Māori Music Awards – Best Māori Pop Artist | |- | 2009 |"Nesian 101"
| 2009 Waiata Māori Music Awards – Best Māori Song
| |-
| 2009 | Nesian Mystik | 2009 Waiata Māori Music Awards – Best Māori Songwriter
|
Members
- Te Awanui 'Awa' Reeder (vocals)
- Feleti 'Sabre' Strickson-Pua (raps)
- Donny 'Tha Kid Oldwun' McNulty (raps)
- Junior 'Junz' Rikiau (raps, drums, ukulele)
- David 'Dmon' Atai (guitar, vocals)
- Heath 'Notiq' Manukau (turntables)
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Chart[1] | CertificationTemplate:Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Polysaturated
|
1 | 4× Platinum |
| 2006 | Freshmen
|
8 | Gold |
| 2008 | Elevator Musiq
|
12 | Gold |
| 2010 | 99 A.D.
|
4 | Platinum |
Singles
| Year | Title | Chart[1] | CertificationTemplate:Ref | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | "Nesian Style" | 9 | Gold | Polysaturated |
| 2002 | "It's On" | 2 | Platinum | |
| "For the People" | 5 | Gold | ||
| 2003 | "Unity" | 7 | Gold | |
| "Brothaz" | 13 | |||
| 2005 | "What's Next?" | 7 | Gold | Freshmen |
| 2006 | "If It's Cool" | 5 | Gold | |
| "So Good" | ||||
| "Robbin' Hood Heroes" | Gold | |||
| 2008 | "Nesian 101" | 1 | Platinum | Elevator Musiq |
| "Dancefloor" | 10 | |||
| "Mr Mista" | 3 | Gold | ||
| "R.S.V.P." (featuring PNC) | 9 | |||
| "Sacrifice" (featuring WISE) | ||||
| "Sun Goes Down" | 3 | 3× Platinum[2] | ||
| "No. 1" | ||||
| "Fresh Boyz" (featuring Scribe) |
- RIANZ certification thresholds: Gold – 7,500 units sold; Platinum – 15,000 units sold
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid
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