SWISS
The birthplace of the word Reggae is often discussed amongst elite music historians; some say it comes from a word for people of the street, others from the Latin Regis, The word for king. If the latter is true, Swiss (aka Pepa Manu), a Kingdom born son of Tonga, is comfortable honouring the foundation of Reggae's forefathers and continuing the legacy of King's Music with his debut EP Mr Slow Wind set for release 27 July 2012.
At just 20 years old, Swiss, the charming new face of Pacific Reggae music has already captivated online audiences, generating over 275,000 views on Youtube for his independently produced hit 'Slow Wind', currently a number one most requested song at Urban radio and RIANZ NZ Top 20 Single.
Fortunately he didn't stop there. To show his fans his appreciation for their early support, the independent minded SWISS embarked on and funded his own overseas tour stopping in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Hawaii and Australia before resting in New Zealand, and subsequently signing to iconic local label Dawn Raid Music, who were impressed with the self-generated, fan-driven interest in Swiss.
Raised in a strict Tongan family with five brothers, Swiss' early years in Lower Hutt, Wellington were focused around the Methodist church where like many great performers before him he learned to hone his singing skills as part of a five-piece harmony with his older brothers (including NRL Star, Seka Manu who plays for the Melbourne Storm).
Swiss spent his early teenage years influenced by R&B and soul music like Boyz2Men and KC&JoJo before being introduced to Reggae legend FIJI's debut album Born & Raised by his siblings. The melodic Reggae rhythms of the Hawaiian-based singer struck a chord with impressionable SWISS and his passion for Island Reggae was born.
Picture-perfect storing telling and a natural speed with song writing has helped SWISS engineer a debut EP of youthful but true to life situations that aren't always talked about by his grown up peers. Case in point, 'Time Of The Month', a catchy, honest take on girls least discussed monthly appointment; 'Miss Liquor' an ode to his weekend pastime and a turbulent relationship viewed through an unlikely counterpart; and 'Slow Wind' the break out viral & radio smash from Mr Slow Wind EP.
With interest from overseas Reggae label VP Records and a new international remix of platinum Reggae star Sean Paul's single 'She Doesn't Mind', the sky's the limit for this celebrated young Reggae star.