{{Short description|New Zealand hip-hop/R&B group}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Use New Zealand English|date=November 2012}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Nesian Mystik | image = | caption = | background = group_or_band | alias = | origin = Auckland, New Zealand | instrument = | genre = Hip hop, R&B | occupation = | years_active = 1999–2011 | label = Bounce Records, Arch Dynasty Records, Warner Music New Zealand | associated_acts = | website = {{facebook|nesianmystikofficial}} | current_members = Te Awanui Reeder<ref name="who">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nesian-mystik.com/|title=簡単お肌ツルツル美容法！ – 簡単にマッサージをしてツルツルになれる美容法を記載したブログです。}}</ref><br>Feleti Strickson-Pua<ref name="who"/><br>Donald McNulty<ref name="who"/><br>Junior Rikiau<ref name="who"/><br>David Atai<ref name="who"/><br>Heath Manukau<ref name="who"/> | past_members = }}
'''Nesian Mystik''' was a New Zealand hip-hop/R&B group which formed in 1999. The cultural backgrounds of its members united a remarkable diversity of Polynesia by bringing together Cook Island, Tongan, Samoan and Maori ancestry. As well as producing a record number of Top 10 New Zealand singles, Nesian Mystik supported international acts such as Robbie Williams, Missy Elliott, Shaggy and The Black Eyed Peas.<ref name=nzherald>{{cite web|title=Nesian Mystik|url=http://events.nzherald.co.nz/artist/nesian-mystik|work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=24 December 2011}}</ref> The group officially disbanded in 2011 after a successful music career that included four commercially successful albums and numerous New Zealand Music Award nominations.<ref name=radionz>{{cite web|title=Radio New Zealand National Music Talk|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/music/talk?result_551217_result_page=N|publisher=Radio New Zealand |access-date=24 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Last orders for Mystik men|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-news/entertainment/5033567/Last-orders-for-Mystik-men|access-date=24 December 2011|newspaper=Stuff |date=22 May 2011|author=Kathernie Forbes}}</ref>
==History== In 1999, Nesian Mystik was formed in the music room of Auckland's Western Springs College.<ref name=amplifier>{{cite web|title=Nesian Mystik|url=http://www.amplifier.co.nz/artist/2276/nesian-mystik.html?full=1|publisher=Amplifier}}</ref> All members attended the school except Strickson-Pua who attended St Paul's College in Auckland.<ref name=stpauls>{{cite web|title=St Paul's College Alumni|url=http://www.stpaulscollege.co.nz/alumni.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213202309/http://www.stpaulscollege.co.nz/alumni.php|archive-date=13 February 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The band was originally named "Tropical Penguins" to enter a school talent competition. This group, consisting of Te Awanui "Awa" Reeder, Donny "Tha Kid Oldwun" McNulty, Junior "Junz" Rikiau, and David "Dmon Finguz" Atai were joined by Heathdale "Notiq" Manukau and Feleti "Sabre" Strickson-Pua before changing their name to Nesian Mystik in reference to their various diverse Polynesian backgrounds, and the influence of those on their gentle R&B/hip-hop music. The new lineup was more successful, winning the regional section of the Pasifika Beats competition.<ref name=itunes>{{cite web|title=Nesian Mystik Biography on iTunes|url=https://music.apple.com/nz/artist/nesian-mystik/219996056|publisher=Apple Sales New Zealand}}</ref>
===''Polysaturated'' (2002–2003)=== In November 2002, the group released their debut album ''Polysaturated''. The album debuted at number 1 on the New Zealand album chart and was certified Gold by the end of its first week of sales. Seven months after release, the album was still in the national top 10 charts and was certified four times Platinum.<ref name=bounce>{{cite web|title=Polysaturated|url=http://www.bouncerecords.co.nz/bouncerecords/polysaturated_tour.html|publisher=Bounce Records}}</ref> ''Polysaturated'' produced four successful top ten hits including 'Nesian Style', 'It's On', 'For The People' and 'Unity'. The fifth single, 'Brothaz' features on the soundtrack to the Polynesian film ''Sione's Wedding''.<ref name=muzic>{{Cite web|url=https://www.muzic.net.nz/artists/294.html|title=Nesian Mystik - New Zealand Musicians & Bands|website=www.muzic.net.nz}}</ref>
===''Freshmen'' (2005–2006)=== November 2005 saw the release of Nesian Mystik's second album ''Freshmen'', which entered the New Zealand Album Charts at number 8<ref name=muzic /> with singles 'What's Next?', 'If It's Cool', "Robin Hood Heroes" and "So Good".<ref>{{cite web|title=Freshmen|url=http://www.bouncerecords.co.nz/bouncerecords/freshmen_tour.html|publisher=Bounce Records}}</ref> ''Freshmen'' was certified Gold in the first week of release. Nesian Mystik describe it as "a feel good album, drawing influences from Old Skool, Soul, Funk, R&B and Hip Hop while upping the production sophistication and adding new flavas to the mix."<ref name=freshmenamp>{{cite web|title=Freshmen – Amplifier NZ Music|url=http://www.amplifier.co.nz/release/21129/freshmen.html|publisher=Amplifier}}</ref>
===''Elevator Musiq'' (2008–2009)=== Nesian Mystik released their third album ''Elevator Musiq'' on 27 October 2008.<ref name=em-itunes>{{cite web|title=Elevator Musiq (iTunes) by Nesian Mystik|url=https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/elevator-musiq-itunes/id294511586|publisher=Apple Sales New Zealand}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The name stems from the idea that a musician has "made it" in the music business if their music is heard in an elevator. The name also reflects the group's drive to continually elevate their music and style to "the next level".<ref name=muzic />
''Elevator Musiq'' produced three top ten hits : "Nesian 101", "Dancefloor" and "Mr Mista" featuring Che Fu, Kimbra and Cydel. "Nesian 101" reached number one on the New Zealand RIANZ Singles Chart and was certified Platinum.<ref name=nesian101>{{Cite web|url=https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Nesian+Mystik&titel=Nesian+101&cat=s|title=charts.org.nz - Nesian Mystik - Nesian 101|website=charts.nz}}</ref> "Dancefloor" peaked at number 10.<ref name=dancefloor>{{Cite web|url=https://www.muzic.net.nz/charts/s49297/dancefloor|title=Dancefloor - Nesian Mystik - Top 40 Singles|website=www.muzic.net.nz}}</ref> "Mr Mista" was certified Gold and spent 17 weeks on the Top 40 Singles Chart where it peaked at number three.<ref name=mrmista>{{Cite web|url=https://www.muzic.net.nz/charts/s51367/mr-mista|title=Mr Mista - Nesian Mystik - Top 40 Singles|website=www.muzic.net.nz}}</ref> The release of "R.S.V.P.", which reached number 9 on the charts,<ref name=rsvp>{{Cite web|url=https://www.muzic.net.nz/charts/s52715/rsvp|title=Rsvp - Nesian Mystik - Top 40 Singles|website=www.muzic.net.nz}}</ref> marked the band's 10th Top Ten single in New Zealand, making them the first New Zealand artist to do so.<ref name=nzmusician>{{cite news|title=Nesian Mystik make NZ chart history|url=http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/newsitem/pi_newsitemid/3369|access-date=24 December 2011|date=26 June 2009|author=NZ Musician|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012603/http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/newsitem/pi_newsitemid/3369|archive-date=5 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
===''99 A.D.'' (2009 – Present)=== The band's fourth album, ''99 A.D.'', was released 26 July 2010<ref name=99itunes>{{cite web|title=99 A.D by Nesian Mystik on iTunes|url=https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/99-a.d/id382077711|publisher=Apple Sales New Zealand}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> from which the first single, "Sacrifice", was released in late 2009. A second single, "Sun Goes Down", peaked at number three on the New Zealand singles chart,<ref name=sgd>{{Cite web|url=https://www.muzic.net.nz/charts/s59552/sun-goes-down|title=Sun Goes Down - Nesian Mystik - Top 40 Singles|website=www.muzic.net.nz}}</ref> their eleventh and final top ten single.<ref name="who"/>
===Farewell Tour (2011)=== On 27 July 2010, Nesian Mystik performed live and farewelled fans on Close Up as they prepared to separate.<ref name="TVNZ_3675728">{{cite news |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/nesian-mystik-say-farewell-3675728 |title=Nesian Mystik say farewell on Close Up |date=27 July 2010 |work=Television New Zealand |access-date=30 October 2011}}</ref> The group's farewell tour included performances at Ragamuffin in February 2011<ref name=raggamuffin>{{cite web|title=''Ragamuffin 2011 – NZ Bands Announced''|url=http://www.amplifier.co.nz/news/62996/ragamuffin-2011-nz-bands-announced.html|publisher=Amplifier|date=21 October 2010}}</ref> and the annual Homegrown Festival in March 2011.<ref name=homegrown>{{cite news|title=''Jim Beam Homegrown 2011 – 1st Announcement''|url=http://nzmusic.org.nz/news/general/jim-beam-homegrown-2011-1st-announcemen/|date=28 September 2010|author=New Zealand Music Commission}}</ref>
Nesian Mystik holds the record for the most number of top-10 singles in the New Zealand singles chart by a New Zealand artist, with their 11 singles beating Crowded House in second place with six singles. Nesian Mystik's 11th top 10 single "Sun Goes Down" reached No.3 in February 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nesian Mystik achieve NZ first|url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/entertainment/nesian-mystik-achieve-nz-first-2009063022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812112113/http://www.newshub.co.nz/entertainment/nesian-mystik-achieve-nz-first-2009063022|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 August 2016|access-date=19 June 2016|work=Newshub |publisher=Mediaworks|date=30 June 2009}}</ref>
==Awards== Aside from enjoying success in sales and radio airplay with their singles, the group collected numerous awards including:
{{awards table}} |- | 2001 | Nesian Mystik | 2001 Mai Time Awards – Mataariki Award for Most Promising Up and Coming Act | {{won}} |- | 2002 | | 2002 Juice TV Awards – Best Hip-Hop/RnB Video Award | {{won}} |- | 2003 | Nesian Mystik | 2003 NZ Music Awards – Best Urban Group | {{won}} |- | 2003 | Nesian Mystik | 2003 NZ Music Awards – Peoples Choice Award | {{won}} |- | 2003 | "For The People" | 2003 APRA Silver Scroll Award | {{won}} |- | 2003 | | 2003 bNet Awards – Best Hip Hop Release | {{won}} |- | 2003 | | 2003 NZ Entertainment Awards – Album of the Year | {{won}} |- | 2008 | "Nesian 101" | 2008 Juice TV Awards – Juice Hip Hop Music Video Award | {{won}} |- | 2009 | Nesian Mystik | 2009 MTV Australia Awards – Best Kiwi Act | {{won}} |- | 2009 | Nesian Mystik | 2009 Pacific Music Awards – Best Pacific Urban Artist | {{won}} |- | 2009 | Nesian Mystik | 2009 Pacific Music Awards – Best Pacific Group | {{won}} |- | 2009 | ''Elevator Musiq'' | 2009 Pacific Music Awards – Pacific Music Album | {{won}} |- | 2009 | "Nesian 101" | 2009 Pacific Music Awards – APRA Best Song | {{won}} |- | 2009 | Nesian Mystik | 2009 Waiata Māori Music Awards – Best Māori Urban Artist | {{won}} |- | 2009 | Nesian Mystik | 2009 Waiata Māori Music Awards – Best Māori Pop Artist | {{won}} |- | 2009 | "Nesian 101" | 2009 Waiata Māori Music Awards – Best Māori Song | {{won}} |- | 2009 | Nesian Mystik | 2009 Waiata Māori Music Awards – Best Māori Songwriter | {{won}} |- |}
==Members== <ref name="who"/> *Te Awanui 'Awa' Reeder (vocals) *Feleti 'Sabre' Strickson-Pua (raps) *Donny 'Tha Kid Oldwun' McNulty (raps) *Junior 'Junz' Rikiau (raps, drums, ukulele) *David 'Dmon' Atai (guitar, vocals) *Heath 'Notiq' Manukau (turntables).
==Discography== {{Infobox artist discography | Artist = Nesian Mystik | Image = | Caption = | Alt = | Studio = 4 | Live = | Compilation = | Video = | Music videos = | Tribute = | EP = | Singles = 15 | B-sides = | Soundtrack = }}
===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! rowspan="2"|Year ! rowspan="2"|Title ! colspan="2"|RIANZ |- ! Chart<ref name="chartdisc">{{cite web|url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Nesian+Mystik|title=Nesian Mystik in New Zealand charts|work=Hung Medien|publisher=charts.nz|access-date=1 May 2010}}</ref> ! Certification{{ref|reference_name_A|A}} |- |2002 |''Polysaturated'' * Released: November * Label: Bounce Records |align="center" valign="center"|1 |align="center" valign="center"|4× Platinum |- |2006 |''Freshmen'' * Released: 1 May * Label: Bounce Records |align="center" valign="center"|8 |align="center" valign="center"|Gold |- |2008 |''Elevator Musiq'' * Released: 27 October * Label: Bounce Records |align="center" valign="center"|12 |align="center" valign="center"| Gold |- |2010 |''99 A.D.'' * Released: 26 July * Label: Arch Dynasty Records |align="center" valign="center"|4 |align="center" valign="center"| Platinum |- |}
===Singles=== {| class="wikitable" |- |- ! rowspan="2"|Year ! rowspan="2"|Title ! colspan="2"|RIANZ ! rowspan="2"|Album |- ! Chart<ref name="chartdisc"/> ! Certification{{ref|reference_name_A|A}} |- |2001 |"Nesian Style" |align="center"|9 |align="center"|Gold |rowspan="5"|''Polysaturated'' |- |rowspan="2"|2002 |"It's On" |align="center"|2 |align="center"|Platinum |- |"For the People" |align="center"| 5 |align="center"|Gold |- |rowspan="2"|2003 |"Unity" |align="center"| 7 |align="center"|Gold |- |"Brothaz" |align="center"|13 |align="center"| |- |2005 |"What's Next?" |align="center"| 7 |align="center"| Gold |rowspan="4"| ''Freshmen'' |- |rowspan="3"|2006 | "If It's Cool" |align="center"| 5 |align="center"| Gold |- |align="left" valign="top"|"So Good" |align="center"| — |align="center"| |- |"Robbin' Hood Heroes" |align="center"| — |align="center"| Gold |- |rowspan="3"|2008 |"Nesian 101" |align="center"|1 |align="center"|Platinum |rowspan="4"| ''Elevator Musiq'' |- |"Dancefloor" |align="center" valign="top"| 10 |align="center"| |- |"Mr Mista" |align="center"|3 |align="center"|Gold |- |rowspan="2"|2009 |"R.S.V.P." <small>(featuring PNC)</small> |align="center"| 9 |align="center"| |- |"Sacrifice" <small>(featuring WISE)</small> |align="center"| — |align="center"| |rowspan="4"|''99 A.D.'' |- |rowspan="3"|2010" |"Sun Goes Down" |align="center"|3 |align="center"|3× Platinum<ref>{{cite certification|region=New Zealand|artist=Nesian Mystik|title=Sun Goes Down|type=single|id=2023-05-26|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|domestic=true}}</ref> |- |"No. 1" |align="center"|— |align="center"| |- |"Fresh Boyz" <small> (featuring Scribe) </small> |align="center"|— |- |align="center" colspan="5"|"—" denotes title that did not chart |} *{{note|reference_name_A|}}RIANZ albums and singles certifications: **Gold – 7,500 sales **Platinum – 15,000 sales
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:APRA Award winners Category:New Zealand hip-hop groups Category:New Zealand contemporary R&B musical groups Category:Pacific Music Award–winning artists Category:Musical groups from Auckland Category:Musical groups established in 1999 Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2011 Category:1999 establishments in New Zealand Category:2011 disestablishments in New Zealand