Musician

Stan Walker has been a household name in Aotearoa for over a decade now. 

The singer from Tauranga Moana, Tūhoe and Ngāti Ranginui rose to fame as the winner of Australian Idol in 2009 and topped the charts shortly thereafter with his debut single, “Black Box.” Since then he’s released multiple albums, starred in a number of films, judged television shows and performed across the world. His success as a performing artist across such a variety of mediums is unparalleled. 

Not only has Walker earned a total of six gold, four platinum, one double platinum and one triple platinum single in New Zealand across five studio albums, he has collected eight New Zealand Music Awards along the way. He has also won the Waiata Māori Award for Radio Airplay Record of the Year five times. His live performances are legendary and, as well as headlining his own National Tours, he has shared a touring stage with Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Ciara, Jay Sean, Travie McCoy, Ja Rule, Akon and Jessica Mauboy.

Stan has become one of New Zealand’s most-loved figures, respected for his Māoritanga, love for his culture and pride for his people. He celebrates te ao Maori in everything he does and wants to inspire younger generations that they can do anything they want in life. 

This is his story – Stan Walker – Indigenous 100