North Shore rapper Randa has been awarded this year's Critics' Choice Prize.
The 21-year-old beat Wellington soul singer Estere and folk artist Lake South to win the award after each performed a half-hour set at Auckland venue the King's Arms last night.
Chosen by industry experts and critics in the crowd, the Frankenstein singer wins a $10,000 grant and industry mentoring.
Mainard Larkin told the Herald he chose a career in rap while living in Sydney and hearing the track Yonkers by Tyler, the Creator while heading to work on a train.
"Missing my stop that day, I fell in love with rap like never before and began investing in a chill bedroom set up to begin recording," he said.
After his win, Randa told the King's Arms crowd he was "blown away".
"Those were some really unbelievable sets tonight."
Watch the music video for Frankenstein by Randa:
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- nzherald.co.nz