PANIA on R&B, Expectations and Refusing the Script

Māori-Indian R&B artist PANIA is done waiting for permission. Raised in West Melbourne on a steady diet of Missy Elliott, Tupac and early-2000s R&B, she’s part of a new wave reshaping what Australian music sounds and looks like. As she prepares to perform at VIVID 2025, PANIA joins Suhayla Sharif on SBS Spice to talk about chasing a career no one around her imagined — and why her songs don’t need to “represent” anyone but herself. From singing with Coldplay to filming Pity Party at her family’s marae, she’s making space on her own terms and inviting others to do the same. Full episode now streaming, wherever you get your podcasts.

PANIA joins SBS Spice to reflect on culture, confidence, and carving her own lane in music. Tap the audio player to listen.

Every part of the music is a part of me — not just my culture. I just want to make music as PANIA.

PANIA on identity and expectations

SBS Spice is your go-to for South Asian Australian culture, exploring what makes us tick—or ick. Catch us on your favourite podcast platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and the SBS Audio app. Or tap the audio player to listen to the full episode.

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