Person on purple background resting their head in their hand. Only their head and chest is visible.

White text reads, "AMPLIFIED".

15m

Hosted by DJ & music journalist Jess Fu, Amplified spotlights artists who use music to embrace, connect to, & explore their cultural roots.

Made with the support of NZ On Air

Series details.

Credits

Amber Easby
Executive Producer
Amanda Jane Robinson
Series Producer
Jess Fu
Host & Co-Producer
Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Litia Tuiburelevu, Frandson Bahati, HASH, & Nahyeon Lee
Directors
Megan Whelan
RNZ Head of Content
Veronica Schmidt
RNZ Head of Content (acting)
Jodhi Hoani & Tim Burnell
RNZ Commissioning
Evie Orpe
TAHI
Sophie Dawson & Amber Easby
The Spinoff Commissioning

Hosted by DJ and music journalist Jess Fu, Amplified spotlights artists who use music to embrace, connect and explore their cultural roots.

Over five episodes Amplified discovers the looping pop of Kōtiro, the joyful Samoan indie rock of LEAO, the experimental hip hop of Phodiso, Samara Alofa’s soulful pop, and the electronic R&B of Imugi 이무기.

Through conversation with Jess we discover how each musician approaches their creative practice, revealing how identity is tied to, and reflected in their music.

Kōtiro, LEAO, Phodiso, Samara Alofa, Imugi 이무기 and Jess all speak to their cultural heritage, showing how it informs their artistic expression and music making.

Each episode of Amplified features a unique live performance, deep diving into the musician’s mind’s eye and showcasing their talent in its truest potential.

Produced by

Vetiver pictures partner logo for use on dark background

Made with the support of

Partner Logo for NZ on Air for use on dark background

Get in touch

More like this

  • Full Concert

    Toiere (meaning to sing) unites beloved operatic arias, duets, and ensembles in their original languages and te reo Māori, celebrating voice, language, and identity while honouring Aotearoa New Zealand's rich cultural landscape and opera's universal emotions. Experience the beauty, drama, and emotion of these operatic treasures reimagined through the lends of Aotearoa's rich cultural tapestry. Starring some of NZ's hottest operatic talent, including Kawiti Waetford, Robert Wiremu, Pānia Papa, Juan Kim, Katherine Winitana, Elisha Fa'i-So'oialo, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono, and Joel Amosa.
    Toiere/Film
    1h 21m

  • Documentary

    After Indira Gandhi's assassination, the 1984 Sikh Massacre unfolded, with thousands of Sikhs violently killed over three days. Many sought asylum. 1984 follows their journey to find home in Aotearoa after enormous tragedy.
    1984/Film
    1h 4m

  • The Rise and Fall

    Isabella Moore’s career soared with body positivity, but fashion’s return to thinness now threatens everything she’s fought for as a Samoan-Kiwi curve model.
    Cutting the Curve/Episode 1
    10m

  • Documentary

    Joy, Full & Fearless follows the trauma and triumph of Joy Cowley's astonishing life as New Zealand's prolific, widely published and celebrated author of children's fiction. Available in NZ, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
    Joy, Full & Fearless (New)/Film
    56m

  • A Dress and a Cardigan for Mele

    In Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, Tongan grandmother Liliani and her daughter Kesaia find that even though they talk every day on the phone (and have for 17 years), they have more in common than they thought.
    Conversations With My Immigrant Parents/Season 1/Episode 1
    3m

  • Cook's Legacy

    The government has poured millions of dollars into commemorating Captain Cook's arrival, but why? Many Pākehā are unhappy with this celebration of colonisation, and demand we start taking responsibility.
    Land of the Long White Cloud/Episode 1
    6m

  • Kareem

    Originally from Egypt, Kareem shows us his absolute love of tennis as a way to connect with the community.
    This Is Us/Episode 1
    2m

  • Tangata Whenua

    The first episode tackles the settlement of Aotearoa. From Polynesian travelers, right through to British and European settlers.
    The Citizen's Handbook/Season 1/Episode 1
    11m

  • Edward Osei-Nketia

    At 19, Eddie Osei-Nketia is the fastest person in Australasia, and is looking to break the New Zealand 100m record.
    The Outliers/Episode 1
    7m

  • 3 the Hard Way, "Hip Hop Holiday"

    This episode showcases 3 the Hard Way’s first debut single ‘Hip Hop Holiday’. It was the first single with a NZ On Air-funded video to reach No.1, where it solidly remained for three weeks in early 1994.
    NZ Hip Hop Stand Up/Season 2/Episode 1
    9m

  • Simonne Butler

    In 2003, Simonne Butler survived a horrific attack at the hands of her abusive partner. In this episode, Simonne shares her story and insights into how to identify and survive domestic abuse.
    Breaking Silence/Season 1/Episode 1
    9m

  • Josh Davies

    Josh has 15% vision in his good eye. City life with four senses sounds easy!
    Inside Outside/Episode 1
    7m

  • The Announcement

    Blindspott’s Marcus Powell gathers Crescendo Trust’s most promising emerging artists and offers them the biggest opportunity of their lives. Will they overcome their demons to pull it off?
    The Collective/Episode 1
    16m

  • The Topp Twins

    The Topp Twins explore Splore for the first time.
    Inside Splore /Episode 1
    5m

  • Fine Arts

    We meet three fine artists whose work transcends gallery walls: sculptor Yona Lee, interdisciplinary artist Yuki Kihara, and painter Simon Kaan.
    ASIA: Art Stories in Aotearoa/Episode 1
    22m

  • Wedding Vows

    From Shakespeare to sitcoms, this week the Whakamāori crew take on the ultimate declaration of love: wedding vows. Join our trio of translators—Chey Milne, Tākuta Anaha Hiini, & Manaia Ward—as they breathe new life into the heartfelt promises of Monica & Chandler (Friends), the tragic poetry of Romeo and Juliet, and the awkward brilliance of Amy & Sheldon (The Big Bang Theory). What happens when you blend the language of love with the beauty of te reo Māori? Whether you're a hopeless romantic, a language nerd, or just here for the Shakespearean drama, this one's for you.
    Whakamāori (New Episodes)/Season 3/Episode 3
    44m

  • Chinese

    We meet the Chinese community in Dunedin and learn about one of Aotearoa’s most established migrant communities
    GIANTS/Episode 1
    26m

  • Misty Frequency

    Drag icon Misty Frequency kaupapa is to celebrate autistic and Takatāpui excellence. They are looking to storm the stage at the Drag Wars competition with a cash prize up for grabs.
    What's the Disabili-Tea/Episode 1
    8m

  • Shareef

    Drugs, lies and regret became a reality for Shareef after an encounter with some local gang affiliates, but growing up in the North has shaped this proud takatāpui into who he is today.
    The Barber Shop/Episode 1
    6m

  • Episode 1

    Clothing expression is important to Wairua. Mia connects with her culture by spending time away. Lavi talks about cultural expectations. Theia feels welcomed by her own and judged by others.
    Duality/Episode 1
    21m

  • Episode 1

    Piripi takes us on a tour of his kingdom, introducing his girlfriend Luxy and showcasing his many talents, which include cleaning the whare and doing the lawns... NOT!
    The Adventures of Piripi Kaiwaru AKA Phillip! /Season 1/Episode 1
    9m

  • Bondi Babes

    Soph's first flight to Sydney leads her to Bondi Beach post-accident, where sand and wheelchairs clash. With the help of lifeguards, she discovers how accessible the beach can be!
    This Is Wheel Life/Season 2/Episode 7
    14m

  • Mohi

    Mohi Allen weaves smokey jazz, pop and te reo Māori together to create a unique and smooth sound, reminding us of decades past.
    Imposter/Episode 1
    9m

  • The Driving Lesson

    When Trish, a spirited mother, decides to give her son Mana a driving lesson, what was intended to be a simple rite of passage quickly escalates into a chaotic encounter.
    A Place Called Te Awamutu/Episode 1
    5m

  • Jason

    Summer at Penguin Place can be hectic, as Jason juggles hoiho (yellow-eyed-penguin) rescues, daily feeding sessions, tour groups, and bird releases - all in a day’s work!
    The Turning Point/Episode 1
    13m

  • Tyrell

    Tyrell Taylor found a like-minded community of BMX riders, where rangatahi are given a chance to expand their skill set, be mentored, and be seen as equals. He reminds us not to forget what makes you happy.
    No Limits/Episode 1
    11m

  • IllumiNGĀTI

    Sibling vocalists Raiha, Hōrihi, & Hāne lead IllumiNgāti, a reggae band from Kawakawa covering Dave Para’s "You’re Magic" & debuting their bilingual single, "Illusion."
    The Barber Shop Sessions/Episode 1
    6m

  • Our Aotearoa

    Our Aotearoa is an animated documentary that speaks to immigrants’ personal experiences living in Aotearoa, exploring themes of racism, discrimination, loss, loneliness, and maintaining cultural ties while living in another country.
    Our Aotearoa/Film
    10m

  • Kāinga

    Kāinga navigates the thorny terrain of home in Aotearoa New Zealand from the perspectives of 8 Pan-Asian women.
    Kāinga/Film
    1h 27m

  • Flower Pot Boombox

    Fat Freddy’s Drop depart Auckland, bound for London, 2003. Taking up residence for six weeks in Tooting, South London, the band sets up a studio in the lounge, and get straight into rehearsals and making beats.
    MARAUDERS/Season 1/Episode 1
    9m

  • Serenade

    Mac helps a Palagi boy win over an island girl with an original song.
    I Got You/Season 1/Episode 1
    4mvertical

  • Meet and Greet

    It's the highly anticipated first day of the netball season, aka Jim's send-off. Will Kate be able to assemble her team of misfits in time?
    Here If You Need/Episode 1
    9m

  • Part 1 (2024)

    Ruamata captures the journey of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata's rise to the top of hockey in Aotearoa as they become the first Māori immersion school in a century to compete in the prestigious Rankin Cup.
    Ruamata: It's More Than Hockey/Film
    1h 0m

  • Katchafire: Legacy

    The story of the Māori band Katchafire, as they struggle to find their way through volatile creative differences and a changing music landscape.
    Katchafire: Legacy/Film
    53m

  • Desert Dream

    Upon arriving in Joshua Tree, California, Troy Kingi and his band are taken to a sacred site by the local Tangata Whenua in 40 degree celsius temperatures.
    Troy Kingi's Desert Hīkoi/Episode 1
    17m

  • Gloss Finish

    A person with sweaty hands searches for a dance partner who, like them, bears the clammy burden of a gloss finish.
    Day One Shorts (New Collection)/Season 2/Episode 1
    13m

  • Kia Tupato (Be Careful)

    With tensions rising between the new government and tangata whenua, Wayne and his traffic-management crew brace for the biggest Waitangi Day celebration in Aotearoa New Zealand's history.
    Hi-Vis/Episode 1
    6m

  • Out There

    Zoologist-turned-filmmaker Alexis Smith joins a mysterious network in New Zealand dedicated to communicating with extraterrestrials.
    Loading Docs/Season 10/Episode 1
    13m

  • Ground Work

    In the first of a three-part series, bands from Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland travel to Scotland to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships.
    12,000 Miles/Episode 1
    36m

  • Lau Yuet Seen

    It was September 1938 when Lau Yuet Seen received word from her husband to leave Fah Dei for Hong Kong as soon as possible. The Japanese troops were close to landing north of Hong Kong.
    Farewell Guangdong/Episode 1
    22m

  • Inspiration to Write

    Nina Mingya Powles (writer & poet) grew up near Katherine Mansfield's Wellington home. KM ‘loomed’ over her childhood. Powles & graphic artist Sarah Laing make Mansfield a contemporary character.
    Shine On Katherine Mansfield/Episode 1
    7m

  • Mamas Return to Play

    Juggling new motherhood in often-isolated countries and continuing a sports career can have big pressures on Pasifika women.
    Outside the Lines (New)/Episode 1
    9m

Video section home

Browse all
Woman looking into the camera, standing side on. She has a staunch expression and Is wearing a bright pink blouse. Text reads, "Breaking Silence". Text and woman stand against a dark, almost black background.
A Muslim man in a blue shirt stands in a mosque. The text reads "This Is Us"
A person sitting on a stool, they're looking down. The image has been edited so that there's a strong orange toned light covering the image, obscuring the figures face. The text reads, "The Outliers".
A podcast cover for "The Aotearoa History Show" features the title written in colorful, chalk-like letters on a blackboard background. The words "THE" and "AOTEAROA" are in light blue, "HISTORY" is in pink, and "SHOW" is in green with green chalk lines radiating outwards.
A group of people performing a haka outside amongst the trees. The person at the front is in focus and doing a pukana. Text reads, "NZ Wars: The Stories of Ruapekapeka".
A man is wearing a suit and tie and smiling at the camera with his head slightly tilted to the left. He has a thick moustache, behind him the room is dark but seems to be an office. Text reads, "The Citizen's Handbook" in light pink.
The host, Mihingarangi Forbes, smiling at the camera. Text reads, "Mata".
We see a coastline of New Zealand. On the right is the land; on the left is the ocean; above are clouds. Golden text in the middle reads: "STOLEN LANDS A HIGHLANDER'S QUEST."
An archival picture of a group of Pacific Islanders posing for a group picture. The text reads "Untold Pacific History"
Two men embracing in a MMA octagon ring. They look sweaty post match. It's dark around them but they are standing in a spotlight. Text reads, "Fighting Chance".
Two people holding microphones and singing into them, another person stands behind playing a keyboard piano. The scene is lit with a purple hued light. Text reads, "The Barber Shop Sessions".
Three figures from different original images have been edited so that they're all standing next to each other and are of varying sizes. All three people are in the midst of performing. The background in a flat bright red colour. Text in the style of graffiti reads, "The Collective". A spray painted illustration of a crown appears above the 'e' in 'Collective'.
Dark grey background with yellow text reading, "The Barber Shope". There is a illustration in the same yellow of a Māori design.
In a black-and-white photograph, a Māori woman speaks into a microphone in front of a crowd. Her fist is raised defiantly in the air. At the top of the image, in small yellow lettering, reads: "THE LAST NEW ZEALAND WAR HAPPENED IN 1979. IT LASTED THREE MINUTES." Below the woman, at the bottom of the image, the text reads in yellow lettering: "THE HAKA PARTY INCIDENT." Below that text is smaller, white text that reads: "A FILM BY KATIE WOLFE."
Text reads, "House Talk" on a white brick wall background.
Eight seperate images edited into two rows of four, each showing different images of people and art. Text reads, "Marauders".
A coastal scene of a land mass with cliffs leading down to a beach and the ocean. Text reads, "My Cyclone Gabrielle, Four Filmmakers Four Views".
Person on purple background resting their head in their hand. Only their head and chest is visible. Purple text along bottom of image reads, "AMPLIFIED".
Misty Frequency's mask sits by other masks on a shelf in a dressing room. The text reads "What's the Disability-Tea"
A man operating a cannon, theres smoke coming out of it and a man next to it holding his hands over his ears. Text reads, "NZ Wars: Stories of Waitara".
A sepia toned photograph laying on a table. The photograph is of a man looking over his shoulder at the camera, he is wearing headphones and sitting in from of a switch board. Text reads, "Coast Watchers Operation Pacific".
Against a black background, a group of opera singers sing. The green text reads: "Toiere."
On the left side of the graphic is the back of a yellow-on-black female athlete as she walks away. On the right side is a block of yellow. In the middle, written from top to bottom, is the text "OUTSIDE" in black and "THE LINES" in yellow.
A birds'-eye view of some military items sitting scattered on a desk, including a map, a hat, playing cards, and a couple of coins. The text in the middle reads "Back to Timor."