Queen Shirl’e Drops Empowering New Single ‘Somebody New’

Written by Queen Shirl'e

I moved to Māngere in the 80s from Samoa, proud to have grown up in South Auckland — and I’m still here. I’m an independent single mama of three and a new nana too. Shoutout to my grandbaby Melesia, who turns 1 this year!

I grew up with my family on Cottingham Crescent, Māngere East. They were all here before I arrived and went to the local schools. All my uncles were pro athletes in boxing, rugby, kickboxing, bodybuilding, and league, so naturally I gravitated towards becoming an athlete too. But as I got older, life took a turn — I ended up on the streets, homeless at times, just trying to survive on my own.

Through it all, I found hope in God, and that changed everything. From there, I discovered my love for hip hop, my true purpose in the creative arts, and my passion for giving back to our community.

In 2006, I came across a group of teens on Bader Drive heading to the liquor store. That moment stuck with me, so I started running free after-school performing arts programmes outside Whare Koa (back then called Māngere Community House). I wanted to give our youth something positive to do — especially those skipping school or getting into trouble. I ran it voluntarily, straight from the heart.

One of those teens later became a host on a Māori TV show and is now an award-winning makeup artist for television. Watching that transformation reminded me why I do this — to help more of our youth find their spark.

My dream has always been to have our own building in Māngere, or anywhere in South Auckland, where we can help creative youth gain proper qualifications in performing arts. We’ve got the talent and the passion — we just need the space.

If anyone has a building or venue to share, please reach out through 275 Times. The QS Academy is the perfect kaupapa to make this happen.

I was also part of 275 Times in its early days, running my own column Word on the Street where I interviewed and wrote about local award-winning musicians like Swiss, Lavina Williams, La Coco, and Tigilau Ness (Che Fu’s dad). It was all about shining a light on Southside talent.

One of my proudest moments was organising a fundraiser after Tigi’s guitar was stolen while he was running his programme at Māngere East Community Centre. That guitar had belonged to his son, Che Fu, and meant the world to him. Our community came together and raised $2,000 for a new Ovation guitar — and he still plays it today. That’s the village spirit I’ll always carry with me.

After the lockdowns, I introduced podcasting to youth across South Auckland. Now, hundreds of kids are learning how to set up mics, tell their stories, and speak with confidence. Our podcast, Youth in the Booth, has over 70 episodes on Spotify — a safe space for young people to share their experiences, passions, and even school gossip.

In 2023, I was honoured with a SunPix Pacific Peoples Community Leadership Award. I don’t do this mahi for awards, but it was humbling to be recognised. A win for me is a win for our community.

Outside of all that, I’m a full-time single mama to my two boys: Mikey (20) and Mahonri (11), who is on the spectrum, has ADHD, and global developmental delay. Balancing work and his high needs has been a challenge, but it’s also why running the academy works for me — it’s flexible and understanding.

A scary incident where he ran from school into the road inspired us to create his own autism awareness tees — bright, bold, and full of his personality. One of those shirts even helped someone recognise him and bring him home safely. They’re more than a T-shirt — they’re a voice for our neurodivergent kids.

On the music side, I’ve just dropped my new track Somebody New — for anyone who’s been hurt but still believes in love. I’ve been in the rap game for over 20 years, with three EPs, over 10 videos, and three NZ On Air–funded projects. This song’s got summer vibes, a little heartbreak healing, and a whole lot of sauce. I wrote, directed, and edited the video myself. It’s out on all platforms now, and the video drops Aug 1.

It also connects to my new side hustle — NEW BAE™, a speed dating event for 30+ singles who are over dating apps and want real connection. It’s held Monday evenings at Woodside in Manukau. Sign up at qshirleproductions.com — who knows, you might find your soulmate (I might even join in!).

Big love to Beatz Lowkey (Māori producer in Australia) for the beat, and to my bro Shane Walker, an award-winning artist who recorded, mixed, and mastered the track. I’m grateful to still have solid friends who believe in my vision.

Somebody New is streaming now. Music video Aug 1 on YouTube. Let’s make it the summer jam we need after these winter blues.