Far North brothers Zentarge (Zenith and Targe Tawhara-Crown, who are now based in Hamilton) have released a powerful new single, Tall Poppy, ahead of a larger release of new music later this year
Far North brothers Zentarge (Zenith and Targe Tawhara-Crown, who are now based in Hamilton) have released a powerful new single, Tall Poppy, ahead of a larger release of new music later this year
Far North brothers Zentarge have put out a powerful new single, Tall Poppy, ahead of the release of a larger body of new music later in the year.
Zentarge are Zenith and Targe Tawhara-Crown (Rereahu, Te Whakatōhea), who were raised in the Far North, growing up in Ahipara and Kaitāiaand going to Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Pukemiro, and who are now based in Hamilton.
With over a decade of live performance experience, the pair have built their journey from the ground up, from street busking at a young age to performing across the North Island.
Now postgraduate students at the University of Waikato, Zentarge are entering a new phase as recording artists, translating their experience as live entertainers into a sound that connects both nationally and globally. Their music blends R&B, soul, and contemporary influences with honest, relatable storytelling, grounded in strong cultural and personal foundations.
With momentum building, the brothers are working toward a larger body of work set for release in 2026. The single explores the pressures of tall poppy syndrome in Aotearoa, and the challenges creatives face when striving for success. The track speaks to the tension between ambition and external doubt, encouraging listeners to back themselves despite criticism or resistance.
Blending smooth, groove-driven production with emotionally grounded lyricism, the record delivers a sound that is both accessible and deeply felt.
“This track is about backing yourself, even when people doubt you and try to pull you down,” the duo said. “We think it’s getting worse, especially in our generation, and we’ve seen friends and whānau affected by it.”
Tall Poppy is now available on all major streaming platforms.
With beginnings in kohanga reo, the brothers moved to Ahipara when they were 6 and 8 and it wasn’t long before they got to work as Baby Buskers in the area. During their years in Kaitāia, the brothers were Far North’s Got Talent finalists, Shine on Kaitāia Youth Navigators and rep basketball players for Muriwhenua and Northland.
