Aotearoa Music Awards release statement on all-male announcement
The Aotearoa Music Awards received backlash on social media this week after announcing their first five performers – all male.
Host network TVNZ made the announcement on social media, posting the following on Instagram:
“Aotearoa’s biggest music night is BACK for 2021!” the read message. “This year’s ceremony will feature performances by these incredible artists!” he continued, listing Harper Finn, Teeks, Troy Kingi, trio Team Dynamite and five-piece band LAB
The post sparked outrage from fans. Let’s hear it for (from) boys I guess,” one wrote. “Disappointing there isn’t even a single female artist,” wrote another.
Instagram account @beneaththeglassceilingnz, part of an international network advocating for women’s rights in the music industry, also noticed the glaring omission.
“Kia ora @tvnz.official and @aotearoamusicawards,” they wrote. “We are extremely disappointed to see an all-male lineup representing the music of Aotearoa. Very deaf.
AMA has now issued a statement to Beneath the Glass Ceiling NZ, explaining the nominations. “It is unfortunate that TVNZ’s message did not mention the performances of the incredible Te Nūtube and Goldsmith Baynes at the upcoming Aotearoa Music Awards 2021,” said Sarah Owen, Kaiwhakahaere o Ngā Tohu Puoro o Aotearoa (AMA).
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“There is no denying the gender disparity of finalists and performers this year. This reflects the gender disparity in the nominations we received. There was no equal gender representation, and at the root are historical and current inequalities not only in our music industry, but in society as a whole. Recorded Music NZ knows there is a lot to do.
We will continue to work internally and alongside artists to find better ways to empower women and minority groups in our hapori puoro. If you’re watching this year’s AMA finalists and performers and you don’t feel represented, know that the Aotearoa Music Awards needs and wants you on our stage.
The Aotearoa Music Awards will take place on Friday, December 17, hosted by Hayley Sproul and Stan Walker.
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