30 Aug 2023

The Mitis: A Pacific twist on country music

From Nine To Noon, 10:05 am on 30 August 2023

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Tiana and Sonny Miti

Photo: supplied

Brother and sister country duo, Sonny and Tiana Miti, weave their Pacific heritage into country music melodies.

The siblings grew up in Cannons Creek, Porirua, where alongside their proud Samoan heritage, they had a musical diet of Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.

As kids, they and their sister Justina joined the North City Country Music Club based at Porirua Club.

They've won numerous trophies at the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards in Gore, and Tiana has competed on Star Search Samoa, a TV talent quest. Now Sonny and Tiana are set to release their first single "See You Again".

They talk to Kathryn Ryan about putting a Pacific twist on country music.