A Kiwi rapper who rose to fame with his debut single "Swing" in 2005, known for his catchy hooks and energetic live performances.
Savage, the stage name of Demetrius C. Savelio, is a New Zealand hip-hop recording artist who made history as the first Kiwi artist to earn platinum certification in the United States with his breakthrough single. This achievement, along with his contributions to the electronic dance music scene, has cemented his status as a trailblazer in the global music industry.
Savage grew up in Samoa and South Auckland, New Zealand, where he was raised by his mother and siblings. In 1997, he co-founded the hip-hop group Deceptikonz with friends, but success didn't come overnight. The group struggled through talent shows and small concerts before being signed to Dawn Raid Entertainment in 1999.
In 2002, the Deceptikonz released their debut album Elimination, which peaked at number four on the New Zealand albums chart. Savage's feature on Mareko's hit single "Stop, Drop and Roll" in 2003 further solidified his presence in the New Zealand hip-hop scene.
Savage's solo career took off in 2005 with the release of his debut single "Swing," which eventually reached number one on the New Zealand singles chart and cracked the Australian singles chart in 2014. His debut album Moonshine followed three months later, peaking at number two on the New Zealand album chart.
The title track "Moonshine" became an even bigger success, spending seven weeks at number one on the New Zealand singles chart and reaching the top ten in the Australian singles chart. This single would eventually be certified twice platinum.
Savage's contributions to the music industry have been recognized with the creation of the International Breakthrough accolade at the Pacific Music Awards in his honor. His influence extends beyond music, inspiring a new generation of Pacific Islander artists and breaking down cultural barriers in New Zealand.
Savage's commercial success has translated to a significant net worth, estimated to be in the millions. His music has not only brought him financial success but has also contributed to the growth of New Zealand's music industry as a whole.
Savage's music has also made its way into popular culture, featuring in various films, TV shows, and commercials. His hit single "Freaks" with Timmy Trumpet has been certified five times platinum, while "Swing" with Joel Fletcher has earned four platinum certifications.
"Music is my passion, and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to share it with the world." - Savage
Savage's achievements have paved the way for future generations of New Zealand hip-hop artists, solidifying his place in music history. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate artists from diverse backgrounds, breaking down cultural barriers and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the music industry.
