After 25 years of exploring and expanding the musical landscape, The Nomad, alongside MC Antsman, will bring powerful, bass-driven beats to Rarotonga, for the very first time.

Daimon Schwalger, better known as The Nomad and a trailblazer in Aotearoa’s New Zealand’s electronic music scene, will take the stage this Friday night at the Ukulele Bar, Tamarind House, joined by his wife Prue aka DJ Miss Meow and long-time collaborator Anton Carter aka MC Antsman for an unforgettable live performance.

“We’re excited to share our selection of sound that feels right for Rarotonga - spreading love and happiness and good vibrations,” said Schwalger. “We’ve even brought a few vinyl records along as well.”

Schwalger began his DJ journey at just 17 years old. Today, he also runs his own video production company, incorporating photography and drone footage.

Music and video really complement each other – they blend seamlessly and work really well together for both music and video production, he added.

“It’s been a huge asset actually, like doing music my whole life and then bringing the music production to the videos you make which is a really big part of it as well. Having the sound pop out and doing that music composition, recording voices and audio and bringing it together and linking it together…”

On Monday, Maurice “Mo” Newport of Motone Productions, the creative company of the Cook Islands, arranged for and accompanied Schwalger’s visit to Tereora College for a workshop with the music students.

When asked what advice he would give to young people who have an interest in music and creativity, Schwalger said: “For me, I’ve been working really hard, really focused and it’s a big passion of mine. I just put my heart and soul into it. Build bridges, be good to people, work really hard.”

“Most importantly, once you’ve gained knowledge and developed your skills, it’s essential to give back—share what you’ve learned, support others, and pass that wisdom on. Don’t keep it all to yourself.

“I think what’s important is to just work really hard and be focused, and save your money.”

Schwalger shared that his passion for music began early. At just 12 years old in New Zealand, he was captivated by breakdancing.

This whole new culture of graffiti and breakdancing changed his life.

Living in Hamilton at the time, where his father taught at Church College, he was introduced to breakdancing through the local scene.

“I got a piece of lino, bought a ghetto blaster, made some baggy pants, and practiced every day.”

Although his family moved frequently, music always resonated with him.

Before he ever touched DJ decks, while living in Dunedin, he had an amp in his room and four speakers on each side – music was a constant.

Then, at 17, a chance encounter changed everything. He was spending time at a nightclub, already familiar with the DJ, when the manager unexpectedly offered him a one-week trial.

“He handed me the keys and said, ‘You start Monday’. I was unemployed at the time and just thought, I can’t believe this is happening. That one moment shaped the fate for the rest of my life.”

His first trip to the Cook Islands came about thanks to two close friends, Allan and Rach, who visited Schwalger last year on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, where he is based.

“They told us they were heading to Rarotonga the following year and invited us along – we’d never been here before,” he said.

The upcoming music event celebrates a new chapter as these artists bring their sound to Rarotonga.

MC Antsman brings over three decades of experience as an MC, DJ and radio host. He used to be a part of the New Zealand iconic dub and bass outfit Rhombus since 2004. Antsman is known for his smooth delivery, uplifting lyrical style and dynamic stage presence.

Miss Meow plays a beautiful selection of reggae and beautiful music. This is her second international gig, her first was in Australia last year.