Nesian Mystik


Nesian Mystik were key to the breakthrough of NZ hip hop in the early 2000s. They mixed hip hop beats with Polynesian-style guitar and ukulele, then gradually evolved their sound to include funky synth lines and live horns. They remained at the top of their game for a decade, with all four of their albums reaching the Top 20 and a record-breaking 11 Top 10 singles.

It was a surprisingly auspicious career for a group that began as the “Tropical Penguins” (for a talent quest at their school, Western Springs College). Fortunately they renamed themselves Nesian Mystik before entering the Smokefree Rockquest in 2000, where they won the “stage image award” award (Evermore won the overall prize). At this stage, the group comprised three singer-rappers – Te Awanui Reeder (Awa), Donald McNulty (Tha Kid Oldwun), Junior Rikiau (Junz) – backed by guitarist David Atai (Dmon Finguz) and turntablist/DJ Heath Manukau (Notiq). 

Junz at the Hip Hop Summit
Photo credit: Gareth Shute
Nesian Mystik. Back row, from left: Heath Manukau, Donald McNulty, Feleti Strickson-Pua. Front row, from left: David Atai, Te Awanui Reeder, Junior Rikiau
Nesian Mystik - Nesian Style music video (2002)
Nesian Mystik at Ahmed Zaoui fundraising gig
Photo credit: Gareth Shute
Nesian Mystik - If It's Cool music video (2006)
Nesian Mystik - For The People music video (2002)
Nesian Mystik - Unity music video (2002)
Nesian Mystik ft. Scribe - Fresh Boyz (2010)
Nesian Mystik at the 2006 New Zealand Music Awards. From left: Feleti Strickson-Pua, David Atai, Junior Rikiau,Te Awanui Reeder, Donald McNulty, Heath Manukau
Nesian Mystik, from left: Heath Manukau, Junior Rikiau, David Atai (at back), Donald McNulty, Feleti Strickson-Pua (at back), Te Awanui Reeder
Nesian Mystik - 'Sun Goes Down' unplugged in Rarotonga Cook Islands on Fresh TV (2011)
Nesian Mystik ft. Kimbra - Mr Mista music video (2008)
Nesian Mystik - Robbin Hood Heroes music video (2007)
Nesian Mystik at the Hip Hop Summit
Photo credit: Gareth Shute
Nesian Mystik - Nesian 101 music video (2008)
Nesian Mystik interview on NZOWN broadcasted on Juice TV (2008)
Nesian Mystik promo photo for their album Elevator Musiq
Nesian Mystik - So Good music video (2006)
Nesian Mystik - What's Next music video (2006)
Nesian Mystik - RSVP music video (2009)
Nesian Mystik Tour Diary Vlog - Day 3: Osaka, Japan (2007)
Nesian Mystik - Brothaz music video (2003)
Pepsismokefree Rockquest 2000 with Nesian Mystik at 07:30
Nesian Mystik performing a medley of their songs live on 'Tūhono' broadcasted on Māori Television (2004)
NZ Hip Hop Stand Up - Nesian Mystik 'It's On' (2023)
Nesian Mystik - R.S.V.P: Behind the scenes exclusive (2009)
It's On
Nesian Mystik performing at Aotea Square, Auckland
Photo credit: Gareth Shute
David Atai and Feleti Strickson-Pua
Photo credit: Gareth Shute
Nesian Mystik interview, Give It A Whirl, 2003 (NZ On Screen, 2023)
Breaking It Down - Nesian Mystik on Sun Goes Down (2025)
NZ Musican December/January 2002/3
Profile interview with Nesian Mystik for Fresh TV's My World (2011)
Nesian Mystik - Dance Floor music video (2008)
Making Music - Nesian Mystik (2005)
Labels:

Arch Dynasty


Bounce

Members:

Te Awanui Reeder - vocals

Feleti Strickson-Pua - raps

Donald McNulty - raps

Junior Rikiau - raps, drums, ukelele

David Atai - guitar, vocals

Heath Manukau - turntables

Trivia:

Awa wrote the basis of a hit for Dane Rumble, 'Cruel', which was certified gold in 2009.

Nesian Mystik won a raft of music awards through their career, including NZ Music Awards wins for Best Pacific Album, Best Urban Album, and People's Choice (plus four wins at the Pacific Music Awards, including best song for 'Nesian 101' and four wins at the Waiata Māori Music Awards).

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