Randa (rapper)

{{Other uses|Randa (disambiguation){{!}}Randa}} {{Infobox musical artist | honorific_prefix = | name = Randa | honorific_suffix = | image = | image_upright = | image_size = | landscape =  | alt = | caption = | native_name = | native_name_lang = | alias = Larz Randa<br>Mainard Larkin | birth_date = | birth_place = | origin = | death_date =  | death_place = | genre = Rap<br>Hip Hop | occupation = | instrument = | years_active = 2012–present | label = | website = | module = | module2 = | module3 = }}

'''Mainard Larkin''' (better known by his stage names '''Randa''' and '''Larz Randa''') is a rapper and recording artist.

Randa is best known for the songs "Heatwave" and "Rangers." "Heatwave was written with Shannon Fowler (aka Tom Lark) and Merk (musician) (aka Mark Perkins) <ref>{{cite news |title= Randa returns with two track Heatwave EP|url= https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/news/17084/Randa-Returns-With-Two-Track-Heatwave-EP.utr |work=Health Promotion Agency|access-date=21 May 2026}}</ref>. "Rangers" was written with Josh Fountain, who subsequently became one of New Zealand's most successful producers through his work with Leisure (band) and Benee. <ref>{{cite news |title= Say Yeah, Nah/Ease up on the drink Campaign|url= https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/15-11-2020/josh-fountain-and-the-shape-of-the-sound |work=The Spinoff|access-date=21 May 2026}}</ref> 'Rangers' was used on a TV health promotion ad in New Zealand called "Go the distance", which was a marketing campaign that aimed to contribute to changing New Zealanders alcohol consumption behaviour from the current norm of high-risk drinking to one of moderation.<ref>{{cite news |title= Say Yeah, Nah/Ease up on the drink Campaign|url= https://www.alcohol.org.nz/resources-research/campaigns/say-yeah-nah |work=Health Promotion Agency|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> One of Randa's early breakthroughs was winning the Critic's Choice Award at the 2014 New Zealand Music Awards. <ref>{{cite news |title= Rapper Randa wins Critics' Choice gong|url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/62797052/rapper-randa-wins-critics-choice-gong |work=stuff.co.nz|date= 30 October 2014|access-date=21 May 2026}}</ref> That same year, he also performed at the Auckland Big Day Out 2014 which had major international acts at the same festival including Snoop Dogg, Pearl Jam and Arcade Fire.<ref>{{cite news |title= Ten great Big Day Out moments (and one bad one)|url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11189179 |work=New Zealand Herald|date= 20 January 2014|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Live review: Big Day Out 2014 (+photos, video)|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/live-review-big-day-out-2014-photos-video/34DNEDZPI4DY4OZ3DZ72X5IUYE/ |work=New Zealand Herald|date= 16 January 2014|access-date=16 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Big Day Out 2014 Lineup Announcement - Pearl Jam, Blur, Arcade Fire|url=https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/news/6984/Big-Day-Out-2014-Lineup-Announcement---Pearl-Jam-Blur-Arcade-Fire.utr |work=Under the radar|date= 1 August 2013|access-date=16 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Big Day Out: New Zealand bands on the bill|url=https://www.audioculture.co.nz/articles/big-day-out-new-zealand-bands-on-the-bill |work=Audio Culture|date= 1 September 2021|access-date=16 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Big Day Out New Zealand 2014 – NZ Announcement |url=https://www.muzic.nz/news/big-day-out-new-zealand-2014-nz-announcement/ |work=Muzic NZ|date= 1 August 2013|access-date=16 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Taking the stage at Big Day Out|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/the-wireless/371004/taking-the-stage-at-big-day-out |work=RNZ|date= 22 January 2014|access-date=16 April 2025}}</ref> This was considered in the top 20 moments of the festivals history in New Zealand<ref>{{cite news |title=Holograms, headlocks, bogans and Bjork: The Big Day Out's best moments, ranked|url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/21-01-2022/holograms-headlocks-bogans-and-bjork-the-big-day-outs-best-moments-ranked |work=Spinoff|date= 21 January 2022|access-date=16 April 2025}}</ref> Randa would also perform at the major event Big Gay Out in 2020, which had acts like Mika X and Courtney Act.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces HIV research funding boost|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/119342843/auckland-pride-thousands-expected-at-nzs-largest-rainbow-event-big-gay-out |work=Stuff|date= 9 February 2020|access-date=16 April 2025}}</ref>

In 2018, Randa was featured on an Air New Zealand safety video alongside Julian Dennison, Kings and Theia.<ref>{{cite news |title= Watch: Air New Zealand's new '90s-themed safety video has landed |url= https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/travel/2018/11/watch-air-new-zealand-s-new-90s-themed-safety-video-has-landed.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181106053415/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/travel/2018/11/watch-air-new-zealand-s-new-90s-themed-safety-video-has-landed.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= November 6, 2018 |work=Newshub|access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> In the video, the New Zealand musicians were rapping and singing to a song they created called "It's Kiwi Safety".<ref>{{cite news |title= Air New Zealand's new safety video is joyful display of country's diversity |url= https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/air-new-zealand-safety-video/index.html|work=CNN|access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> The music adapts two songs, Run-DMC's "It's Tricky" and "In the Neighbourhood" by Sisters Underground.<ref>{{cite news |title= Air New Zealand safety video divides nation|url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/108381898/air-new-zealand-safety-video-divides-nation|work=Stuff.co.nz|access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> The video was retired by Air New Zealand after only three months due to public criticism.<ref>{{cite news |title= Air New Zealand dumps rap safety video |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/110298896/air-new-zealand-dumps-rap-safety-video |work=Stuff|access-date=31 January 2019}}</ref>

In 2026, Mainard Larkin released an Alternative country album Rattlesnake Boy under his own name, working in collaboration with his longtime producer Shannon Fowler (aka Tom Lark). <ref>{{cite news |title= Mainard Larkin on life after Randa and his pivot from hip-hop to country music|url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/music101/audio/2019023035/mainard-larkin-on-life-after-randa-and-his-pivot-from-hip-hop-to-country-music |work=www.rnz.co.nz|date=14 February 2026 |access-date=21 May 2026}}</ref>

Randa identifies as a Trans man.<ref>{{cite news |title= QUEER HIP HOP – A COUPLE OF PLACES TO START|url= http://www.gayexpress.co.nz/2014/12/queer-hip-hop-couple-places-start/ |work=Gay Express|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= The importance of being Randa|url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/10097698/The-importance-of-being-Randa |work=Stuff.co.nz|date=31 May 2017 |access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= The extra factor in new music|url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/8757993/The-extra-factor-in-new-music |work=Stuff.co.nz|date=8 June 2013 |access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Randa Profile|url= http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/nominees/randa/ |work=RIANZ|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>

==Personal life== Randa was educated at Carmel College, Auckland, for their high school years. Randa started making music while living briefly in Sydney, Australia, in 2011.<ref>{{cite news |title= rapping with randa, new zealand's hip hop explorer|url= https://i-d.co/article/rapping-with-randa-new-zealands-hip-hop-explorer/|work=Vice|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> Randa studied at MAINZ which is a program part of Tai Poutini Polytechnic.<ref>{{cite news |title= LARZRANDA IS "HOT LIKE TIGER BALM"|url= http://www.gayexpress.co.nz/2016/12/larzranda-hot-like-tiger-balm/|work=Gay Express|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= RANDA REWRITES RAP'S RULES|url= http://www.gayexpress.co.nz/2015/03/randa-rewrites-raps-rules/|work=Gay Express|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>

==Nominations and awards== * 2013 RIANZ New Zealand Music Awards – Best Music Video - Frankenstein '''(Nominated)'''<ref>{{cite news |title= Best Music Viceo|url= http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/award-category/nz-on-air-best-music-video-2013/|work=RIANZ|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> * 2014 RIANZ New Zealand Music Awards – Critics’ Choice prize '''(Winner)'''<ref>{{cite news |title= Critics' Choice prize|url= http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/award-category/critics-choice-prize-2014/|work=RIANZ|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> * 2019 RIANZ New Zealand Music Awards – Best Music Video - Rock Bottom '''(Winner)'''

==Discography== {{Infobox artist discography |Artist = Randa |Image = |Caption = |Studio = |Live = |Compilation = |Video = |Tribute = |EP = 3 |Singles = 9 |Music videos = 8 |B-sides = |Soundtrack = |References = }}

===EPs=== {| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Title ! Details |- | 2012 | Lunch Box<ref>{{cite news|title= Lunch Box|url= https://larzranda.bandcamp.com/album/lunch-box-ep|work= Bandcamp|access-date= 14 October 2017|archive-date= 14 October 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171014083825/https://larzranda.bandcamp.com/album/lunch-box-ep|url-status= dead}}</ref> | Released: June 2012 |- | 2013 | Summer Camp<ref>{{cite news |title= Summer Camp|url= https://soundcloud.com/larzranda/sets/ajrcahvnnsej|work=Soundcloud|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> | Released: October 2013 |- | 2014 | Rangers<ref>{{cite news |title= Rangers|url= https://open.spotify.com/album/4s7llnmE110g0Kr35UnBDM|work=Spotify|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> | Released: October 2, 2014 |- | 2020 | Heatwave<ref>{{cite news |title= Heatwave|url= https://open.spotify.com/album/1JyYFAhNv3oeYc7J9K3uLl?si=pUUaTxaORWeErJczxVQdVA|work=Spotify|access-date=28 March 2020}}</ref> | Released: March 28, 2020 |}

===Single=== {| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Title ! Album |- | rowspan="2"| 2013 | Orange Juice | rowspan="2"| Summer Camp EP |- | Frankenstein |- | 2014 | Cosby Kid |''Non-album single'' |- | rowspan="3"| 2015 | Rangers | rowspan="3"| Rangers EP |- | Lifeguard |- |Apollo Creed |- | 2015 | Turtles |''Non-album single'' |- |2017 |Fashion |''Non-album single'' |- |2017 |Angel Boy |''Non-album single'' |- |2019 |Rock Bottom |''Non-album single'' |- |2019 |Toughen Up |''Non-album single'' |}

===Featured artist=== {| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Title ! Artist ! Album |- |2016 |Yes (feat Heavy & Randa) |Yoko-Zuna |Luminols |}

===Music videos=== {| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Title ! Album |- | rowspan="2"| 2013 | Orange Juice<ref>{{cite news |title= Orange Juice Music Video|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ftrUV4ECe8|work=Youtube|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> | rowspan="2"| Summer Camp EP |- | Frankenstein<ref>{{cite news |title= Frankenstein Music Video|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYw3zSKn4|work=Youtube|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> |- | 2014 | Cosby Kid<ref>{{cite news |title= Cosby Kid Music Video|url= https://vimeo.com/84422328|work=Vimeo|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> |''Non-album single'' |- | rowspan="2"| 2015 | Rangers<ref>{{cite news |title= Rangers Music Video|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXY9woAJdRw|work=Youtube|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> | rowspan="2"| Rangers EP |- | Lifeguard<ref>{{cite news |title= Lifeguard Music Video|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXI5tYZ_4Xw|work=Youtube|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> |- | 2015 | Turtles<ref>{{cite news |title= Turtles Music Video|url= https://vimeo.com/150303249|work=Vimeo|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> |''Non-album single'' |- |2017 |Apollo Creed<ref>{{cite news |title= Someone get the boom box! Randa on Dirty Girls + 'Apollo Creed' Video Premier|url= https://thespinoff.co.nz/music/12-01-2017/someone-get-the-boom-box-randa-on-dirty-girls-apollo-creed-video-premier/|work=Spin Off|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> | Rangers EP |- |2019 |Fashion<ref>{{cite news |title= Randa - Fashion|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ixBzaig76I|work=Youtube |access-date=16 March 2019}}</ref> | ''Non-album single'' |}

==References== {{Reflist}}

Category:Musicians from Auckland Category:Living people Category:1993 births Category:Transgender rappers Category:Non-binary rappers Category:New Zealand LGBTQ musicians Category:New Zealand transgender people Category:New Zealand non-binary people Category:People educated at Carmel College, Auckland Category:Transgender non-binary people Category:21st-century rappers

Randa (rapper)

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