An Auckland school band with a unique name has won two major music awards in a single weekend.
The members of Manurewa High School's Mit Eldnar practised during lunch breaks and after school, and their dedication paid off on Friday when they took out the Tangata Beats award.
The following night, they were declared the winners of the Smokefree Rock Quest as well.
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"We were just vibing off each other," says band member Sonatane Kaufisi. "We were just having fun on stage more than anything - we practiced hard out."
Fellow band member Makayla Eli says winning two competitions has made her think seriously about pursuing music as a career.
"It's unreal - it's really cool. It's made it seem more clear to me that music could be an option."
The band's unusual name is their music teacher's name spelt backwards. Tim Randle is incredibly dedicated to his students - and they think he's pretty cool too.
"He makes sure he's a friend before he's a teacher, and you don't get those kinds of people ever," says Sonatane.
"Since day one he's made sure we're at our practices, even driving and coming to get us even if we're not up yet," says Makayla.
Mr Randle's dedication comes from his passion for music, which he sees as essential for young people's growth.
"Music is a way that we celebrate culture; it's so important to us as human beings, and it's so important to our community and our school."
Both Tongan and te reo Māori feature in Mit Eldnar's songs, which Makayla says is a conscious choice to reflect the band's diversity.
"All coming from different ethnic backgrounds, it's important to remember our roots and to give back."
Her love of music began at home, where her dad could often be found playing the guitar and singing for his family.
Meanwhile Year 13 student Sonatane Kaufusi plans to become a music teacher as well as record an album following the success of his single 'Birdie'.
"But I've got to finish school first," he laughs.
He says once he graduates, he'll come back to mentor the new band members, so that Mit Eldnar will stay together and build on their success in 2019.
Newshub.
