The Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) Classic Record Award will be awarded to Moana and the Moahunters for their 1993 album TAHI at this year’s Taite Music Prize.

The Classic Record Award acknowledges music that continues to inspire long after its release. Moana and the Moahunter's 1993 album TAHI follows Moana's induction to the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame in 2016.

The Classic Record award will be presented alongside the Taite Music Prize, at a ceremony in Auckland on Tuesday, April 16th at Auckland's Q Theatre.

Another award to be presented on the night is Best Independent Debut, which celebrates Aotearoa’s freshest talent. The finalists are:

Alien Weaponry for Tū
Jed Parsons for Midnight Feast
Wax Chattels for Wax Chattels

Classic Record TAHI’s title track fused traditional Māori instruments, chants and beats with contemporary dance and soul grooves.

The first single 'Black Pearl' became an anthem for Māori women, and reached No.2 on the national charts, earning the band its first Gold record, while the follow up single, 'AEIOU', made the learning of Māori language and vowels accessible to all.

The group sang 'Rebel In Me' to President Nelson Mandela when he was hosted at a special church service in Auckland, and the video for 'Peace, Love & Family' featured The Neville Brothers of New Orleans.

'Back Where We Belong' was a gospel-inspired collaboration with Minister Rasul Muhammad of the Nation of Islam.