Winner of ABC Radio Australia’s 2025 Pacific Break competition, Ni-Vanuatu rapper Mantis (Ethan-Xavier Hakwa) brings a fierce confidence to his delivery, flow and lyricism. Beating hundreds of original songs from 18 Pacific nations with his track ‘Weatherman’, he speaks of the extreme weather conditions faced in Vanuatu and the Pacific. Rapping in Bislama, French and English, Mantis drew inspiration from Kendrick Lamar and US West Coast hip-hop beats to craft his winning song. Born and raised in Vanuatu, with Tongan and Papua New Guinean heritage, Mantis began making music in 2014 with rap group Confliction and released his first album Personal Therapy after moving to New Zealand to study at university. Since returning to Vanuatu in 2022, Mantis has continued his artistry and passion for music, creating production business Kele Productions, in collaboration with Confliction rap group members.