The New Zealand Music Commission is bringing a powerful wave of Kiwi talent to British shores this spring. On Thursday, May 15th, four of New Zealand’s most compelling musical acts will showcase their distinctive sounds at Patterns Downstairs in Brighton as part of The Great Escape 2025, one of the UK’s most influential festivals for discovering new music.
From the streets of Wellington to the beaches of Raglan, these artists represent the rich diversity of New Zealand’s thriving music scene. Their journeys have taken them from humble beginnings to international acclaim, with their music featured in major advertisements, video games, and streaming hits.
The showcase kicks off with CHAII, whose multicultural artistry has made her one of the most synched artists in the Australia/New Zealand region. The Iranian-born, New Zealand-raised creative force blends her Persian background with contemporary sounds, creating music that has caught the attention of major brands and platforms. Her tracks have launched Apple’s iPhone 12, featured in Netflix’s “The Old Guard,” and made the soundtrack for EA Sports’ FIFA 21. At The Great Escape, she’ll be performing with her instrumental band Yoko-Zuna, promising a dynamic and culturally rich experience.
Taking the stage after CHAII is Muroki, whose soulful voice cuts through the noise with effortless grace. The Kenyan-New Zealander has recently relocated to Berlin, bringing his indie-funk-pop fusion to European audiences. His platinum single “Wavy” established him in New Zealand, while collaborations with artists like Benee and Leisure have expanded his reach. Now, after joining Jack Johnson on stage and touring with Six60, Muroki is ready to captivate Brighton with sounds inspired by his hometown of Raglan—a sleepy seaside community known for its world-famous surf break.
From busking on Wellington streets to touring with global superstars, Drax Project represents one of New Zealand’s most impressive success stories. The four-piece outfit has accumulated over half a billion streams and supported acts like Ed Sheeran, Camilla Cabello, and Christina Aguilera. Their infectious blend of pop and R&B, complemented by striking four-part harmonies, has earned them gold certifications in the US and 35 platinum accreditations across Australasia. As Billboard noted, the band “knows how to put on a show,” and their recent sold-out performances across the UK and Europe suggest The Great Escape audience is in for a treat.
Closing the showcase, NO CIGAR brings the raw energy that has earned them a fiercely loyal global fanbase. Fresh from a European tour that saw them selling out London’s 650+ capacity venue The Dome, the band will be performing tracks from their sophomore album aptly titled “The Great Escape”—a collection specifically designed for the live experience. Their catalog has amassed over 11 million streams on Spotify alone, with 190,000 monthly listeners tuning in from around the world.
The Great Escape has established itself as Europe’s equivalent to SXSW, offering a platform for emerging talent to connect with industry professionals and new audiences. For these four New Zealand acts, it represents a significant opportunity to expand their international profiles and share their unique sounds with the world.
New Zealand @ The Great Escape 2025
Thursday 15th May, 12pm – 4pm
Patterns Downstairs, 10 Marine Parade, Brighton
12:30 – CHAII
13:30 – MUROKI
14:30 – DRAX PROJECT
15:30 – NO CIGAR
Presented by the New Zealand Music Commission, a government-funded agency committed to growing the country’s music business internationally.
