Photo provided by: JP Visuals
Ni-Vanuatu rapper Mantis (Ethan-Xavier Hakwa) has been crowned the winner of ABC Radio Australia's Pacific Break 2025 with his powerful track Weatherman.
With a fierce confidence in his delivery, flow and lyricism, Mantis' Weatherman immediately caught the attention of the Pacific Break judges, beating hundreds of original songs entered from18 Pacific nations in this year's competition.
Rapping in Bislama, French and English, Mantis drew inspiration from Kendrick Lamar and U.S. West Coast hip-hop beats in crafting his winning song, produced by Vanuatu's Vanboii and Wilz. Defining himself as the Weatherman, Mantis speaks to the extreme weather conditions faced in Vanuatu and the Pacific.
Born and raised in Vanuatu, with Tongan and Papua New Guinean (PNG) heritage, Mantis first began making music in 2014 with rap group Confliction and released his first album Personal Therapy after moving to New Zealand to study at university.
Since returning to Vanuatu in 2022, Mantis has continued his artistry and passion for music, having created a music production business Kele Productions, in collaboration with Confliction rap group members.
It's the second time a ni-Vanuatu artist has taken out the coveted Pacific Break title, since reggae group 26 Roots from the island of Santo became the inaugural winners in 2008 with their song Broken Promises.
After hearing the news via a phone call from Nesia Daily hosts Michael Chow and Jacob McQuire, Mantis was overcome with emotion.
Watch the moment Mantis found out he was the winner here .
Mantis said, "I knew that this song was special, and I see why now. I'm super grateful for my team. When we started doing this music stuff, it was really underground and like, we're still kind of underground now, but even though we struggle we still pursue this because it's our passion."
Mantis continued, "For hip-hop and rap artists from Vanuatu, I hope that this will be a stepping stone in developing our music scene here and the industry."
Pacific Break's 2025 judging panel included PNG-born Australian musician Ngaiire, Australian-based Fijian artist and label head Joji Malani, ABC Radio Australia music presenters Hau Lātūkefu ( In The Fale ) and Sosefina Fuamoli ( Sista Sounds and On The Record ), and WOMADelaide Associate Director Annette Tripodi.
Ngaiire said: ""When I came across Mantis' entry I couldn't stop listening and with every listen I couldn't stop smiling. This is the type of stuff that excites me about Pacific music. He's singing about real life Pasifika situations in a modern context and doing it in three languages that represent the hand marks of history etched on the region."
Joji Malani said: "Mantis is an energetic and commanding MC with a natural talent that's immediately striking. This track shows an intelligence and sophistication often overlooked or dismissed by international audiences when it comes to music from the region. The influences from notable hip-hop legends are evident, but Mantis has interpreted them in a way that honours his roots and culture while remaining relatable to every corner of the earth."
Sose Fuamoli said: "This year's Pacific Break proved once again just how vibrant and strong our current generation of artists are throughout the region. Mantis' Weatherman is a striking track that highlights his dynamism and pure skills as a lyricist and performer. Speaking to the broader talent coming out of Vanuatu, Mantis is a champion of ni-Vanuatu storytelling, and I can't wait to see him bring his style and rhythm to Adelaide in March."
Mantis will travel to Australia in March 2026 to perform at WOMADelaide - Australia's largest international festival of music, arts and dance.
