Big Sima

Big Sima (Ngā Puhi, Hamoa, Tonga) is a touring and recording artist from Ōtautahi Christchurch, and one of Aotearoa's most authentic voices in contemporary hip-hop. Best known for his work alongside Tiki Taane and as frontman of 8-piece hip-hop band Boomtown, his music is raw, unapologetic, and rooted in lived experience. Drawing from his own journey through recovery, Big Sima's artistry confronts themes of drug addiction, racism, and trauma with honesty and conviction, using his art as a vehicle for community, culture, and social change.

His acclaimed album Stereotypes of a Polynesian Misunderstood, produced by Tiki Taane, has been praised for its intention of "uncovering truths and feelings felt within NZ's Polynesian community for a long time" (NZ Musician Magazine). A bold and introspective examination of identity and culture, it established Big Sima as an artist who refuses to compromise his kaupapa for commercial appeal. That same conviction runs through The Peace Trilogy, a three-part body of work comprising Early In The Peace (2024), Peace Be The Journey (2025), and the forthcoming final EP led by single "Rent Free," an infectious, floor-filling anthem that speaks directly to the cost-of-living crisis facing Kiwi whānau.

A relentless live performer, Big Sima has toured alongside Boomtown for the last 4 years, bringing high-energy shows to stages across Aotearoa. His collaborative journey with Tiki Taane reached a landmark moment with their orchestral performance as part of Ōtautahi Proud alongside the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, a night that showcased the full depth and range of his artistry. With a body of work that spans independent releases, national touring, and genre-defying collaborations, Big Sima continues to grow as one of the most compelling and purposeful artists in Aotearoa music.