Music Industry News

Aotearoa-Niuean pop artist Tyrun releases his new single ‘FILA’ today, a smooth R&B track with a catchy beat and emotional lyrics sung in English and Vagahau Niue (the Niuean language).

The song explores long-term love, uncertainty, and the idea that sometimes letting go is part of finding your way back.

‘FILA’ is the lead single from Tyrun’s upcoming debut EP, Fall in Love Again. The project centres Niuean culture in the present, with Vagahau Niue in a contemporary pop and R&B vision. For Tyrun, it was important to bring a modernised approach to Vagahau Niue music.

“By contextualising Niuean culture in the here and now, I hope it allows other Tagata Niue who feel disconnected from it to imagine themselves back in it,” Tyrun says.

Proudly part of the Niuean diaspora in Aotearoa, Tyrun uses music to navigate identity and belonging. He weaves Vagahau Niue into modern pop songwriting to bring the language and culture to a new generation.

Produced by long-time collaborator JARNA, ‘FILA’ blends free-flowing R&B melodies with emotional restraint. The track explores feelings of inadequacy and timing. It holds onto the belief that love will return when it’s meant to.

“I didn’t set out with any thematic intention. I was just writing,” says Tyrun. “Once that first line came out, it made me think about leaving in order to come back. Sometimes the timing just isn’t right.”

This summer, Tyrun joins his community to celebrate culture and identity with live performances at the Auckland Pride Closing Party in February and CubaDupa in Wellington on 28-29 March.

‘FILA’ is available now on all major streaming platforms.

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With a refreshed sound as a solo artist, Tyrun is already making waves in the music scene as co-director of All My Friends (AMF) and through his involvement with projects that champion queer / BIPOC creatives such as OMW!, LYCHEE BAYBEE and Niu Gold Mountain. His songwriting explores diverse themes of cultural identity, sexuality, and the struggles of navigating adulthood as a queer Pacific Islander in Aotearoa. With a background across many areas of creativity through dance, AMF, and studying commercial music at Massey University Wellington, Tyrun is ready to take Aotearoa by storm with fresh music!