MELODOWNZ - Avontales

MELODOWNZ is proof that thought-provoking, lyrical rap is alive and here to stay. The Māori/Samoan artist has become a local community champion proudly taking New Zealand rap to the world stage with co-signs from Bas, Dreamville, and Flying Lotus, and collabs from the likes of Denzel Curry, Bootsy Collins, and Maxo Kream, the latter who he supported on Kream’s 2022 Australian tour. 


His debut EP Avontales was released in July 2017, the title a play on his humble hometown of Avondale and all the narratives which reside within it. On the project, MELODOWNZ reps his roots with a fusion of hip-hop and R&B, infused with neo-soul and elements of G-funk, jazz and reggae. The self professed slipknot of hip hop moulded a duality of raw street hip hop, balanced between conscious raising conviction with a cause.  


Much more than just a rapper, MELODOWNZ is building his own independent empire with community at the heart of every endeavour. In 2020, he started an online talk show series called Kava Corner, where he shares space, chats, and drinks traditional Polynesian kava with special guests including John Campbell, Chloe Swarbrick, Scribe, and BENEE—in addition to releasing his own strain of kava, ‘Stay Melo, Drink Kava.’ Ingraining his Polynesian roots into all aspects of his art, he has also hand-drawn his own clothing line collection, including traditional lavalava, and shared a short film-style documentary series, WOLVES OF AVONDALE, profiling significant community figures of his hometown in collaboration with renowned local photographer Tim D. 


Whether through his music, community projects, or creative ventures, MELODOWNZ’s impact as a hometown hero and cultural trailblazer is undeniable. With an ever-expanding global reach and an eye toward innovation, he’s cementing his place as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary rap.