AMA 2025 Breakthrough Artist finalists announced – Fazerdaze, Aaradhna & Ladi6 to perform
Hori Shaw, A.R.T, DARTZ
Recorded Music NZ, producer of the Aotearoa Music Awards, has announced the finalists for Te Iti Rearea o te Tau | Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
The 2025 contenders are Pōneke R&B act A.R.T; the chart-topping lads from the same town – DARTZ; and Ōpōtiki artist and 2024 Tā Te Iwi | People’s Choice Tūī winner Hori Shaw.
The Tūī is determined based on data illustrating audience growth and commercial performance of recordings in terms of radio airplay and streaming/sales in Aotearoa during the AMA 2025 eligibility period (1 January–31 December 2024).
Anastasia, Rosetta and Tiresa a.k.a A.R.T are a powerhouse trio on the climb, with roots in R&B and gospel. They have gone from singing in their bedrooms to releasing a series of singles and touring with Hawaiian star Josh Tatofi. The act’s 2024 breakout single ‘When He Was Mine (Pele Fo’i Mai)’ hit A-rotate on urban radio in Aotearoa and together with a remix by DJ Noize has clocked up big numbers across streaming platforms.
Hori Shaw’s introduction to AMA in 2024 was a beautiful thing – the artist walked away with the Tā Te Iwi | People’s Choice Tūī. Proving this was no fluke, Hori’s audience grew even further throughout the year. His single ‘Back in My Arms’ featured in the Official Top 40 Singles Chart and he dominated the local Aotearoa Top 20 Charts in 2024 with his hits ‘Back In My Arms’ and ‘One Day’. ‘Back In My Arms’ held at #1 for 9 weeks and spent a total of 33 weeks on the Aotearoa Singles Chart in 2024. A full year on from its release, the track is still in the Aotearoa Singles Chart, at #3.
The now Melbourne-based Pōneke band DARTZ made their mark on the Official Charts in 2024, joining L.A.B as the only NZ acts to reach #1 on the Top 40 Albums Chart, with their album Dangerous Day To Be A Cold One. The album also sees Crispy (guitar), Clark (bass), Rollyz (drums) and Danz (vox) up for for Te Tino Kāhui Manu Taki o te Tau | Best Group and Te Manu Taki Rakapioi o te Tau | Best Rock Artist at AMA 2025.
Aaradhna, Ladi6, Fazerdaze
In addition to announcing the contenders for Breakthrough Artist 2025, Recorded Music is also proud to reveal Fazerdaze and Aaradhna as the next finalists to perform at AMA 2025, joining CHAII and Anna Coddington. Fittingly, both have previously been nominated for Breakthrough Artist. Fazerdaze was a finalist in 2017 for the critically acclaimed Morningside, and Aaradhna in 2006 for her classic record I Love You.
Run it back, and both artists made impressive returns in 2024 with highly anticipated new albums. A finalist in 2025 for NZ On Air Te Tino Pukaemi o te Tau | Album of the Year, Spotify Te Tino Waiata o te Tau | Single of the Year, and Spotify Te Tino Reo o te Tau | Best Solo Artist, Fazerdaze will perform her nominated single ‘Cherry Pie’ with her full band.
Aaradhna will be joined by the inimitable Ladi6 to perform ‘Love 2 Love’ – the pair’s collaboration that features on Aaradhna’s AMA-nominated album Sweet Surrender. The 2024 Te Manu Taki Manako o te Tau | Best Soul/RnB Artist winner is a finalist in the same category this year as well as Album of the Year and Best Solo Artist.
Viewing information
AMA 2025 will take place on Thursday 29 May at the Viaduct Events Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau. The event will be livestreamed via AMA Official Media Partner RNZvia rnz.co.nz and across its social media channels. Viewers who don’t catch the live broadcast will be able to stream the Awards on TVNZ+ from the evening of Friday 30 May.
The live broadcast and on-demand stream are funded by Irirangi Te Motu | NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho.
About Aotearoa Music Awards
The Aotearoa Music Awards is the annual showcase event for the music industry, celebrating artists and music from Aotearoa. The event recognises the biggest musical successes of the year while also providing a platform to promote emerging artists. Grounded in 60 years of history, the Aotearoa Music Awards has evolved to reflect our unique cultural identity. It has launched music careers, told artists’ stories and created memorable moments.
Recorded Music NZ produces the Aotearoa Music Awards and acts as its kaitiaki – preserving our musical heritage, celebrating the hits of today and paving the way for the artists of tomorrow.
For more, please visit aotearoamusicawards.co.nz
Code of Conduct
Aotearoa Music Awards is committed to a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved. All participants, including nominees, are required to abide by the AMA Code of Conduct
Artist bios + assets
Find bios and assets for each Breakthrough finalist here
Please direct media enquiries to:
Lauren Went, Pead
027 363 0291