The inaugural SIX60 Scholarships - 2022
Four University of Otago students with a passion for music have been selected for the opportunity of a lifetime as part of a new partnership between the University of Otago and the band SIX60. The scholarships include a $10,000 rent rebate, as well as mentoring from the band and access to the University's new recording studios. Follow their journey and find out if you could be next!
SIX60 paid our rent for a year
Meet TJ, Samuel, Teone and Emily as they settle into their new home at 660 Castle Street and find out what winning the scholarship and living rent-free in this iconic flat means to them personally.
Meet the 2022 Crew
TJ Zimba
Producer/artist as ZËxÏÏ
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Hailing from Dunedin and playing music since as far back as he can remember, TJ is skilled in playing 11 instruments. Drums, electric guitar, piano, keyboard, bongos, xylophone, marimba, kalimba/mbira, ukulele, bass guitar and a few more. He is passionate about alternative RnB and loves the intimacy of being on stage and sharing his original music with his audience.
"I do music because it ties in with my values of always wanting to help people. To me music means helping people heal."
Samuel Leaper
Keyboard/backing vocals for Black-Sale House
Bachelor of Music
Also, from Dunedin, Samuel has been interested in music from an early age and it has always been his dream to be successful in this industry. He plays keyboards for local band Black-Sale House - known for their funky, genre-spanning sound. The band members met at the University of Otago in the old music building which they are named after.
"Being around other musicians is incredibly inspiring. Whether it's working on songs, late night jams, or attending concerts, being around other creative people is one of my favourite things to do."
Teone Hotu
Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Raukawa (Horowhenua, Manawatū), Ngāti Maniapoto
Performing artist
Bachelor of Science
Home for Teone is Porirua where he was raised by a whānau of musicians. Passionate about playing the guitar and piano, Teone aspires to showcase Te Reo Māori through his music. Teone plays the guitar in the Te Roopū Māori Student Association kapa haka group and other kaupapa around the Uni.
“With this scholarship I hope to further develop my skills in music production and as a musician; to inspire others through waiata Māori, kaupapa Māori, and kiriata Māori; and to show that Te Reo Māori belongs everywhere in Aotearoa, especially on air.”
Emily Kerr-Bell
Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kuri, Te Aupōuri
Vocals for Emily Alice
Bachelor of Arts
A Dunedinite, Emily is a contemporary singer with a strong history in theatre and musical theatre. She is the vocalist for local band Emily Alice – whose sound is primarily pop with inflections of jazz, funk, soul and RnB. The band met through their musical studies here at Otago and strive to create truly original music.
"I'm passionate about pursuing a career in the NZ creative industries because it's creative perspectives that help shape and challenge the way we view the world."
Are you next?
If you are a current or future second-or third-year student at Otago and passionate about music, you could be the next person sitting alongside SIX60 and making music.
Find out more about the University of Otago SIX60 Scholarship and see if you are eligible – closing date is 31 July.
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