T. T. R. U. from Rotorua Boys' High School will battle it out for top honours in an iconic competition that has launched the career of many talented Kiwi musos.
In its 23rd year Smokefree Tangata Beats has helped legendary acts which include The Spacifix, Aaradhna and Te Reo metal band Alien Weaponry.
Smokefree Tangata Beats is run alongside Smokefreerockquest with a focus on the unique cultural identity of Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific. Entrants are encouraged to explore and celebrate the ways in which identity and culture is woven into the contemporary music they are writing.
Regional judge Seth Haapu said the finalists ''represent an inspired and thriving generation of rangatahi, who draw from their unique cultural identity to uplift and inspire others in extraordinary times''.
