NZ Music Month

THURSDAY NIGHTS LIVE

1-22 MAY 2025 - 7.30 - 10.30

May is all about the music, and we're turning up the volume at Flare Bar! Every Thursday night, we're bringing you the best in Aotearoa's music scene—from rising stars to legendary voices.

Get ready for a lineup of epic live acts and DJs who'll bring the beats, the vibes, and the unmistakable energy of NZ Music Month. Hosted by MC Slave (Fat Freddy's Drop), this is your chance to soak up the sounds of Aotearoa's finest in an electric setting.

Spotlight Artists

1st May 2025

Live: CHAII, HAZ & MILOUX

DJ: MANUEL BUNDY

8th May 2025

Live: BRANDN SHIRAZ, MOKOMOKAI

DJ: DUSTY & GHOS

15th May 2025

Live: JESSB, WARREN DUNCAN

DJ: CALLMEAK

22nd May 2025

Live: HOLLIE SMITH & JULIA DEANS

DJ: HUDGE & VEE

FREE ENTRY – NO TICKETS REQUIRED!

Where? Flare Bar, SkyCity

Entry? FREE! (R20 to enter Flare Bar)

R20 to enter Flare Bar. Drink Responsibly.

HOLLIE SMITH

Hollie Smith is a prolific hardworking singer, songwriter, and performer who has always maintained a highly respected reputation of creating music with the utmost integrity & passion. Her breathtaking live performances and powerhouse vocals have made her one of the most sought after acts in the New Zealand music industry.

CHAII

Artist/producer/creative director CHAII is an Iranian Artist from Aotearoa New Zealand. CHAII's creative vision was apparent on debut EP Lightswitch and her recent Album 'Safar'. Having music featured in EA Sports' FIFA 21 Soundtrack + Trailer for Ms Marvel, 'Nobody Know' iPhone 12 + featured in Netflix Original film 'The Old Guard', 'South', featured in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater soundtrack + FENDI's global FENDIVA campaign.

JESSB

Born and raised in New Zealand to a Kenyan father and Pakeha mother, JessB is part of the new generation of African Kiwi hip-hop artists bringing their culture to the forefront of the mainstream, having shared stages with the likes of Kehlani and Stormzy, delivering renowned performances at SXSW, Listen Out and Laneway, as well as working as a part of the African New Zealand rap supergroup BLKCITY.

JULIA DEANS

Having first carved a path in local and international musical landscapes, Julia Deans was the frontwoman for early 2000s band Fur Patrol. Julia Deans has since secured her reputation as one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most celebrated musicians. Following the early success of 00's band Fur Patrol and their critically acclaimed PET, Deans's solo albums Modern Fables (2010) and We Light Fire (2018) earned nominations for coveted musical accolades like the Taite Music Prize, the APRA Silver Scroll, and the NZ Music Awards.

WARREN DUNCAN

Warren Duncan, born in Cape Town, South Africa, is a leading voice in the Amapiano scene of New Zealand & Australia. Known for his dynamic approach to instrumental performance, production and DJing, Warren has garnered a reputation for pushing creative boundaries. His music weaves elements of Jazz, Deep House, creating an immersive experience that resonates with Amapiano audiences worldwide. Warren's music embodies the essence of luxury listening, a celebration of rhythm & melody.

CALLMEEK

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Auckland, CALLMEAK is a powerhouse on the rise. Since stepping behind the decks in 2024, she's been making serious waves in the scene, quickly becoming one of Auckland's most unmissable DJs. Her sets are a high-voltage fusion of Amapiano and Gqom — bold, seamless, and built to move bodies. She's lit up stages at events including Looped, Filth, Afrofest, Bassment NZ and much more. CALLMEAK is here, and she's not slowing down.

HUDGE & VEE

A musically versatile, full time DJ who only uses Turntables for vinyl or with Serato. Hudge has been DJing for over 30 years, starting out in London, playing clubs, parties and festivals (Glastonbury for 8 consecutive years) until he moved with his family to Auckland in 2012. Since then, he has been a regular at Splore and on the DJ circuit in AKL as well as regularly playing in Australia and around New Zealand.

DUSTY & GHOS

Hailing from New Zealand's vibrant underground music scene, Dusty & Ghos have earned a reputation as fearless producers pushing boundaries in hip-hop, electronic, and experimental beat-making. The duo's sound is a rich tapestry of diverse influences, blending intricate sample manipulation with moody atmospherics and soulful grooves. Their work on Mokomokai's self-titled albums and the follow-up project Mokomokai 2 solidified their place in Aotearoa's music pantheon, drawing critical acclaim for its complex rhythms and raw, emotional depth.

MOKOMOKAI

Three Māori boys from the winterless north who grew up fast in Central Auckland. Mokomokai, is the group project of Manu (formerly Dirty), and producer duo, Dusty & Ghos. Over the last few years, they've dropped two effortlessly stylish hip-hop albums, in which Dusty & Ghos' drumless soul, jazz chops and low-slung neo-boombap instrumentals serve as the backdrop for Manu and his unvarnished storytelling. Described by Radio New Zealand's So'omalo Schwalger as "a masterclass in local hip-hop" and "a collection of some of the best talent Aotearoa has to offer"

BRANDN SHIRAZ

Brandn Shiraz is a Cook Island rapper from Tamaki-Makaurau. Stylistically, Shiraz is known for his unique flow and an unconventional, raw approach that frequently steps outside the realm of traditional hip-hop. Shiraz first entered the local scene alongside producer LSJ as two of the younger artists within the underground collective 'The Grow Room'. Since then, Shiraz has continued to make his mark on Aotearoa's music scene, showcasing a strong level of versatility. While regularly going bar for bar with some of our country's top lyricists, Shiraz also maintains a presence within Tamaki's thriving DJ scene, often performing impromptu sets alongside some of the big steppers in the DJ circuit.

HAZ & MILOUX

Dream team Haz Beats & Miloux come together as Haz & Miloux. Their collaboration is the perfect pairing of two boldly creative artists. Haz & Miloux's sound incorporates elements from hip-hop, jazz, R&B and neo-soul, and are a love letter to their influences, experiences and community. Haz & Miloux won the 2020 Aotearoa Music Award for Best Soul/RnB artist, and Enough from their 2019 debut album Blonde was shortlisted for the 2020 Silver Scroll Awards.

MANUEL BUNDY

Manuel Bundy, born Manuel Matisi, is a prominent DJ based in Auckland, New Zealand. He has held residencies at notable Auckland venues such as Shortland Bar, Cause Celebre, and Khuja Lounge. Bundy is also a member of the Turnaround DJ crew. He appears on albums by numerous artists including Nathan Haines, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Sola Rosa, Relaxomatic Project, Dam Native, Soane, King Kapisi, Tim Finn, Ermehn, and Breaks Co-Op. As well as supporting international acts like Norman Jay, Gilles Peterson, Coldcut and DJ Krush, he started Base FM.