Vanuatu’s rising hip-hop talent Mantis — real name Ethan-Xavier Hakwa — has officially taken the Pacific by storm after winning ABC Radio Australia’s Pacific Break 2025 competition with his powerful track “Weatherman.”

The 2025 edition of Pacific Break brought together artists from 18 Pacific nations, all competing for the region’s most prestigious music award. But it was Mantis’ unique fusion of Bislama, English, and French rap that won the judges over, combining deep lyrics about climate resilience with irresistible island rhythm and poetic delivery.

“Mi weatherman — mi lukluk long sky, mo mi talem wanem bae i kam. Mi stap toktok long ol samting we yumi no save kontrolem — climate, laef, mo ol challenge blo yumi long Pacific,”
— Mantis, in a post-win interview with ABC Pacific.

About the Song: Weatherman

Weatherman is more than a song — it’s a message. The track speaks about the daily realities of living in a region that constantly faces the threat of extreme weather and climate change. It captures how Pacific youth express resilience and creativity through art and rhythm.

With a smooth blend of old-school hip-hop, Pacific sounds, and lyrical introspection, Mantis uses his voice to forecast not just the weather — but the future of Pacific identity and storytelling through music.

🎧 Listen to “Weatherman” here:
👉 ABC Pacific – Mantis: Weatherman (Audio Link)
👉 ABC Press Release
👉 Fiji Times Coverage

Representing Vanuatu

Mantis’ victory is a proud moment for Vanuatu’s growing music industry. He joins a line of Pacific Break alumni who have gone on to perform internationally. His prize includes a trip to perform live at WOMADelaide in Australia, one of the world’s leading global music festivals.

For many Ni-Vanuatu artists, Mantis’ success represents a breakthrough — proof that local music sung in Bislama can resonate globally.

“This win is for every young artist in Vanuatu wey i stap raetem song long bedroom blo hem, dream blong sharem message long world,” Mantis said.

The Future Sounds Pacific

With Weatherman already making waves across the Pacific, fans can expect more music from Mantis as he continues to craft his distinct voice from Port Vila to the world. His story is a reminder that the Pacific’s creative spirit is alive — and it’s only getting louder.