Biography
Sam has been vocal from the moment he was born - say his parents!!
At his 2nd birthday party - he sang 'Happy Birthday' louder and stronger than
everyone else.
Then when Sam was at Preschool (4yrs old) a local radio station came in to interview
preschoolers for a segment on their morning show. Sam interviewed well and they
invited into the studio the next day. He recorded for an hour with nearly half of the
session singing several MJ numbers.
His new entrant teacher at school the following year asked his mother if he could
perform a solo "I Can See Clearly Now" at the school Christmas Concert! Sam took
it all in his stride but when he finished and the audience were all crying,, it was then
his mother realised he had been blessed with an exceptional talent she couldn't ignore.
Sam was just 5yrs old. The following year his Y1 teacher told his mother that he had a
problem - he couldn't stop him singing in class and could she have a word !
Sam's family moved to Auckland in 2005 - and he joined a local Auckland Childrens Musical Theatre group - his first show being Peter Pan. Sam quickly caught the musical theatre 'bug' and he continued to perform approx 2 shows a year since then, being given several lead singing roles along the way.
Sam has formed wonderful musical relationships with his theatre group friends over the past 5 years and this is where his singing partnership with Hannah was created and has developed. Sam and Hannah are currently putting together a new band of musicians to support them in live performances.
Sam started posting videos of his performances on YouTube in 2007 so his family and friends from around NZ could keep up with what he was doing. He now has over 1 million YouTube views, and along the way he has won himself many awesome friends and fans from all around the world.
Sam is staunchly proud of his Pacific Island heritage - his father insists his musical ability comes from his Cook Island roots. His mum argues that it could also come his paternal grandfather who was a Radio Announcer, Theatre Performer, Singer and Actor ! Either way - enjoy Sam and the awesome musical sounds he brings to you.
Sam's Performance Schedule
Sept TV Presenter for In-Between TV6 - Segment on Careers Experience
July Spot Prize Winner in Evolta online singing competition
July Finalist and Winner in Westfield 5 Minutes of Fame, Pakuranga, Auckland
July Finalist in Soundcheck Showcase (Judges Top5 Choice) in Melbourne - dates still TBA
26 May-5 Jun Macbeth production by Stage2 in the lead role of Macduff's son
20-22 May 2010 Peter Pan production by NYTC at Aotea Centre in the lead role of John
24 April 2010 Performing at Miss North Shore Beauty Pageant Final at the Spencer on Byron, Takapuna
20 Mar 2010 Performing at Down Syndrome annual Buddy Walk, 1pm Mt Eden
19 Feb 2010 7pm-10pm Haiti Fundraiser, Celsuis Bar, Botany Junction
29 Jan 2010 Finalist and Runner-up in Parachute Got Talent at Parachute Festival - followed by interview & performance at Life FM
23,24,25 Dec 5pm-7pm Parnell Road - Sam and the OLIVER Boys
12 Dec 2009 Performing in Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, Auckland - broadcast later on National TV3
Oct/Nov 09 Performing in Oliver Musical - with Auckland Theatre Company at SkyCity
1-7 Oct 09 Performing in Tommy Musical - playing 10yr old Tommy - with Stage2 Productions in Auckland at Maidment Theatre
8 Sept 09 Interviewed on Studio2 TV2, did an All Black Quiz and performed 2 Michael Jackson songs
29 Aug 09 Special guest on Solid Gold Radio Station with Liam McEwan - for MJ's birthday - singing, MJ quiz and talking MJ stuff
9 Aug 09 Won 1st prize at NCC "So You Think You've Got Talent' talent quest
9 Aug 09 Performed at Telethon A Big Night In - and interview on More FM live
6-8 Aug 09 Performed as Mini-Troy in High School Musical 2 at Aotea Centre - with NYTC
July 09 Performed in the finals in the Westfield 5 Minutes of Fame singing comp
July 09 Duet with Hannah on National TV Sunrise - O Holy Night
July 09 Interviewed on Sunrise TV to talk about himself, his rugby and his 'infamous faint'.
Jun 09 Sam won Copy Cats on The Erin Simpson Show and flew to Chch to perform live on the show
May 09 Performed the NZ National Anthem live on SkySport TV show 'The Crowd Goes Wild'
Apr 09 Performed at Auckland Grammar Junior Rugby Club - Open Day
Mar 09 Competed at NZ final Aim to Fame competition, singing 8 songs - 5 gold and 3 silver
Mar 09 Sam and KIDZ ROCK performed at the annual Wigs on the Waterfront festival
Feb/Mar/Apr 09 Sam and KIDZ ROCK performed weekly at Farmers Markets Parnell & Britomart
Dec 08 Sam finished recording and released his Demo CD
Dec 08 NYTC "The Wiz" production - Sam played Lead Munchkin
Dec 08 Sam and Hannah performed Christmas Carols at a private function
Dec 08 Sam and KIDZ ROCK performed at Farmers Market Parnell
Sept 08 Sam and Hannah performed at a Masquerade Ball for Waipeirera Trust
July 08 Competed at World Championship of Performing Arts in Hollywood - winning 6gold, 3silver, 1industry award, 5 plaques
Jun 08 Sam and KIDZ ROCK performed at Superstrike Manukau
Jun 08 NYTC "Grease" production - Sam played lead role of Johnny Casino
Jun 08 Sam and KIDZ ROCK performed a fundraiser at Parnell School with Clinton Randell
May 08 Sam and KIDZ ROCK performed at Waiwera Hot Pools
May 08 First prize for most entertaining performance at Mt Albert Library Talent Quest
April 08 KIDZ ROCK performed at Rainbows End
April 08 Sam performed as a soloist at Parnell School Gala
April 08 Sam and KIDZ ROCK held a Fundraising Concert with special guest Ben Lummis
Mar 08 Sam received 3 Gold Medals at NZ Final Aim to Fame singing competition
Mar 08 KIDZ ROCK performed at Pasifika Festival 08
Feb 08 KIDZ ROCK performed at Wigs Festival, Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Nov 07 KIDZ ROCK performed at a Christmas Festival, Westfield Mall, Pakuranga
July 07 Contestant and winner on Sticky Stars, Sticky TV
June 07 NYTC "High School Musical" - performing at Aotea Centre. 10 shows in 4 days
May 07 First prize for most entertaining performance at Mt Albert Library Talent Quest.
Dec 06 First prize at St Heliers Talent Quest - "Please Come Home for Christmas"
Dec 06 KIDZ ROCK performed at Carols by the Sea at Mission Bay
Dec 06 KIDZ ROCK performed at a Fundraising event at Ayrlies Garden, Whitford.
29 Sep 06 ACMT Musical show - 'Steppin Out' at Sky City. Lead role of Oliver and Guest Spot singing a duet with Clinton Randell
30 July 06 Contestant (and callback) on Maorioke a singing competition for Maori Television
Fri 4 Aug 06 Sam was invited to Great Barrier Island to perform at Kaitoke School.
Sat 13 May 06 Sam and the Rockettes - Aotea Centre Market celebrating NZ Music Month
20 Mar 06 Sam and the Rockettes performed a corporate gig at Auckland Zoo
24 Mar 06 Sam and the Rockettes performed at Parnell School Picnic
3 Dec 05 Sam and the Rockettes performed at the kids rock concert in Auckland Domain
25 Nov 05 ACMT - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat - Little Joe lead role
July 2005 Supported the Vienna Boys Choir on an NZ tour - with Parnell School Choir.
May 2005 ACMT Sam played a Lost Boy in Peter Pan musical
Dec 2004 UCA (Universal Childrens Audio) Studio Recording - chorus and lead singer - 'Kiwi Kidsongs 14'
Nov 2004 Soloist at Carols Singalong at a local church performing "Happy Christmas War is Over" by John Lennon.
Dec 2003 1st prize in school Talent Quest singing "Yesterday was Just the Beginning of My Life" (NZ Idol version) with Rose
Dec 2002 School Concert - solo performance 'I Can See Clearly Now" 5yrs old
Aug 2001 The Breeze Radio Interview and Recording - preschool segment interview and singing 3 MJ songs. 4 yrs old.
Sam with sister Emily, and with pet Burmese cat, "Cola"
