'Music is our language' - Auckland family trio win the Kiwi Cover Song Contest
An Auckland family trio consisting of a father and his two daughters has won the Kiwi Cover Song Contest. They outperformed nearly 200 other musical acts with their rendition of a classic reggae-style cover song.
Why it matters
Highlights local community engagement in arts and the success of grassroots musical talent in New Zealand.
Ese Aumalesulu and his daughters Tara, 13, and Sophia, 9, won for their take on Annie Crummer’s version of 'See What Love Can Do' by Eric Clapton.
RNZ Life reporters 14 September 2026 3 min read Caption: Tara & Sophia Aumalesulu with Dad Ese & RNZ Afternoons host Jesse Muligan. Photo credit: RNZ/Calvin Samuel Tara and Sophia Aumalesulu clasped their faces in shock when they learned they'd won this year's Kiwi Cover Song Contest .
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