Bella Kalolo

Bella Kalolo is an award-winning Samoan, Tongan and Māori (Ngāti Porou) singer-songwriter, actress and creative whose career spans music, theatre, television and film. A powerhouse vocalist and captivating performer, she has become one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most respected entertainers, known for bringing authenticity, warmth and heart to every stage and screen.

As a recording artist, Bella has shared the stage with internationally renowned artists including Ciara, Mos Def, Chaka Khan, Angie Stone, Renée Geyer, Fat Freddy's Drop, Hollie Smith, Dave Dobbyn, TEEKS, Aaradhna and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. She has performed at major festivals including Glastonbury Festival, Sydney Festival, the City of London Festival and Java Jazz Festival, and was twice awarded Best Pacific Female Artist at the Vodafone Pacific Music Awards.

Bella's screen career continues to flourish with roles in the feature films Sione's Wedding, Matariki and The Orator, alongside television appearances in Fresh, Jandals Away, Housiewives, Duckrockers, Shortland Street and the acclaimed drama After the Party. Most recently, she joined TVNZ as co-presenter of 400 Weddings & a Funeral, adding presenting to an already diverse career across the entertainment industry.

On stage, Bella has appeared in Disney's The Lion King (Sydney), Auckland Theatre Company's productions of Hair, The Rocky Horror Show and Little Shop of Horrors, and numerous other acclaimed productions. She also originated the lead role of To'aga in Oscar Kightley's celebrated play Dawn Raids, performing the role across two acclaimed seasons.

A passionate mentor and advocate for emerging artists, Bella has worked as a vocal coach on Popstars, served as a judge and vocal coach for 2 seasons of Whakaata Māori - 5 Minutes of Fame, and has mentored young musicians through the New Zealand Music Commission.

In 2024, Bella was honoured with the Personality of the Year award at the New Zealand Television Awards. Beyond her work in the arts, she is proud to volunteer her time with the Kindness Collective, serving alongside the organisation to support whānau and communities across Aotearoa.

See her perform with Auckland Philharmonia at Barfoot & Thompson presents Back to the 80s.