Vanuatu rapper Mantis has won the 2025 Pacific Break competition with his famous track ‘Weatherman’, beating hundreds of entries from 18 Pacific nations.
Delivering verses in Bislama, French and English, Mantis impressed judges with his commanding flow, sharp lyricism and raw storytelling that drew inspiration from Kendrick Lamar and classic U.S. West Coast beats.
The track, produced by Vanboii and Wilz, tackles the harsh climate realities faced by Pacific Islanders, with Mantis defining himself as “the Weatherman.”
“I knew that this song was special, and I see why now,” Mantis said.
“Even though we struggle, we still pursue this because it’s our passion.”
Born and raised in Vanuatu with Tongan and Papua New Guinean heritage, Mantis began his music journey in 2014 with rap group Confliction, later releasing his debut album Personal Therapy while studying in New Zealand.
Since returning home in 2022, he’s launched Kele Productions, a music business co-founded with confliction members. This marks only the second time a ni-Vanuatu artist has won Pacific Break, after reggae group 26 Roots took the inaugural title in 2008.
“For hip-hop and rap artists from Vanuatu, I hope this will be a stepping-stone in developing our music scene here and the industry,” Mantis said.
As part of his prize, Mantis will perform at WOMADelaide in March 2026 – Australia’s largest international music, arts and dance festival.
