Meet the Kiwi who's performing on the same stages as Kendrick Lamar & Bruno Mars

Young South Auckland drummer, Joe Malafu is taking the world by storm after playing on the same stage as world leading artists. 

The Ōtara local never thought that he would drum professionally, but has performed on the same stage as artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars. 

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"Growing up in New Zealand as a brown kid, my father said 'You're either going to study when you finish school' or 'You're going to get a 9-to-5," Malafu told Newshub.

"It's not normal for a Polynesian boy to be making money off a pair of drumsticks. I'm really grateful and blessed to do what I do,". 

Malafu now tours the world with singer and songwriter Amy Shark. By chance, he met with the Australian singer two years ago, and she took him on board. 

Since joining with Amy Shark, Malafu has been given opportunities to perform on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' and at the world famous Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago. 

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Reach for the stars, Joe - we're proud!!