Sons of Zion

Formed in 2007, Sons of Zion is a New Zealand reggae band from Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand. Founding members Sam Eriwata and Joel Latimer met while attending church, eventually forming a Christian youth band. Together with Rio Panapa (lead vocals/guitar), Samuel Eriwata (drums), Joel Latimer (keyboards) and Dylan Stewart (bass), the group won the opportunity to play at a major music festival, simultaneously releasing their self-titled EP. The band’s membership changed after Eriwata shifted to vocals to include drummer Tawhiri Littlejohn and lead guitarist Harlem McKenzie. Releasing their self-titled debut album in October 2009, it was 2013 record Universal Love that earned the group their first New Zealand top 10 chart positions with singles ‘Superman” and “Tell Her” charting at number 5 and 3 respectively. Gaining momentum in 2015, the band broke into the international market with non-album single “Stuck on Stupid” receiving considerable airplay in Hawaii. Soon, the band’s online popularity began to soar, with their third studio album Vantage Point (2018) certified platinum and lead single “Drift Away” debuting at number 1 and certified double Platinum. After a successful international tour, compilation album First XV was released, followed by a string of hits including “Come Home” charting at number 3 and “Love on the Run” once again reaching the number 1 position. The band returned in 2022, releasing non-album singles, “One Night” and “On My Way” peaking at number 3.

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