Ian Seumanu
Founder & CEO
DJ Raw is a prominent figure in the New Zealand hip-hop scene. He is a world-class turntablist who has been undefeated in all New Zealand competitions for an impressive decade. He has also performed alongside industry giants such as Chris Brown, Rihanna, and Snoop Dogg.
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Our Story
Founded 2004, Wellington Aotearoa, New Zealand
DJ Raw, born Ian Seumanu, is a powerhouse in New Zealand's hip-hop scene. With an unbeaten streak spanning a remarkable decade in the DJ Battle circuit, he's a true turntablism force. Consistently ranking among the top ten in events like the DMC and ITF World Finals, DJ Raw holds the prestigious title of ITF Australasian DJ Champion, a feat unmatched by any other Kiwi.
His dynamic career has graced stages alongside giants like Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, and the Beastie Boys, spanning iconic events such as New Zealand Rugby 7's and Big Day Out. Beyond DJing, DJ Raw's production prowess has shaped the careers of New Zealand's influential artists like King Kapisi and Flowz.
In addition to his stage and studio achievements, DJ Raw passionately fuels New Zealand's hip-hop scene. Since 2004, he's run the country's first NZQA approved DJ school and played a pivotal role in establishing New Zealand's first MC school. Hosting the popular Takeover Mix-show on MAI FM, he keeps the hip-hop vibes alive and organizes club shows nationwide. DJ Raw's relentless commitment and contributions to the culture have solidified his status as an unparalleled figure in the industry, resonating with fans worldwide.
Unveiling My DJ Journey:
A Timeline of Accomplishments
Your front-row seat to DJ Raws journey, and milestones.
87
First paid show
Rongotai College
88
My first rap group (Debonairs)
won a local Rap Battle at Chews Night Club, Also given my DJ name from Debonairs member Henry Ailao
89
Purchased Technics 1200 turntables and a BVL mixer
2 months later entered NZ’s first National DJ Battle, The Numark PPD DJ Mixing Championships Wellington Heat at Chips Night Club & Auckland Final at The Siren.
90
First DJ Residency at Exchequer Night Club
Entered NZ’s first DMC Competition Wellington Heat at The Car Park & Auckland Final at The Glue Pot
91
Entered the NZ DMC Competition
Wellington Heat at Clare’s Night club & Auckland Final at The Power Station, Winning 1st place I later travelled to London England to compete against 28 other countries at the World Finals held at Le Palais.
92
Studied & graduated at the Alo Luafoe Television Production Course
(full time,1 year) Entered the Australian DMC Competition via Perth with King Kapisi (Bran Muffin at the time) Placing 3rd. Group Member of Gifted & Brown
93
Delivered youth DJ Workshops at Newtown Community Center
1st Place Mai FM Ruff House Battle for Supremacy held in Auckland at The Box Night Club, Opening Act for Red Hot Chilli Peppers with Gifted & Brown,
Signed to Tangata Records and released single So Much Soul appearing on Once Were Warriors film & sound track.
94
Formed groups Footsouljahs and Overstayers
Overstayers recorded demos Screams from the old plantation & Fire engine, Resident DJ at Willy’s Wine Bar,
Film & Television contract with Gibson Group Lighting and Camera Assistant Skitz comedy Series
95
1st Place NZ DJ Mix Championship held at the PowerStation Auckland
Season 2 of Skitz comedy Series and Cover Story Drama Series,
Performing shows with Footsouljahs and Phunk Republic Hip Hop Showcase.
96
Ran the Welli DJ Battle with Rhys B for the next generation DJs
Resident DJ at La Luna, Season 3 of Skitz comedy Series and worked on Peter Jackson's The Frighteners movie in
the lighting department.
97
Won 1st place at The NZ ITF DJ Battle held at Luna in Auckland
Won 1st place at The Australasian ITF DJ Battle held at Metro in Sydney, Australia 5th place at The World ITF DJ Battle held at Famous Palace of Fine Arts Theater San Francisco, California, USA
98
Travelled to Melbourne Australia to defend my Australiasian ITF title.
placing 2nd and retiring from DJ Battle competitions.
99
1st Australian Tour
promoted by Slingshot touring with shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth
00
Entered NZ DMC Heats and Final Winning
both held at The Mandalay in Auckland Entered World DMC, First New Zealand to qualify for the Finals placing 7th.
Mai Time Award for Outstanding DJ of the decade
01
Studio Recording for King Kapisi’s Debut album Savage Thoughts
National Album Launch Tour, Performed at Big Day Out Festival Auckland, Gold Coast, Sydney & Melbourne
Formed Record Label 2 Much Records, Released Footsouljahs EP Stylez, Deliveries, Flowz
02
Savage Thoughts Released in Australia
Promotional tours Australian Nationwide British Council Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in New Zealand Hip Hop. Judged the DMC World Finals held at The Brixton Academy, London, England
03
Wrote DJ Curriculum at Whitireia Community Polytechnic
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04
Released Footsouljahs Album Puttin’ in Work
Delivered New Zealand's first ever NZQA Certified DJ Course, One Year Full Time
05
Winner APRA Best Pacific Song
Su’amalie By Feelstyle, Produced and Recorded by DJ Raw
06
Performed at Vodafone X-Air
Xtream Games Festival held at Wellington Waterfront.
07
Rumpshaker Old Skool Club Shows begin
Headlined Wellington Super Club event
08
Selected to Perform at "RED HOT from New Zealand”
The Philippines by NZ Trade & Enterprise and hosted by New Zealand Embassy.
09
Who’s Poppin performed at Bats Theatre
over 2 weeks, A Play written be Sopa Enari about 80’s Hip Hop in New Zealand - 3 man show Actor, Drummer & DJ, Won Best of the Fringe Festival. Performed Closing Ceremony of the NZ Rugby 7’s at Westpac Stadium to 38,000 Opening Act for International Artists Chris Brown & Rihanna Held at TSB Arena Wellington.
10
Resident DJ at Rain Bar Wellington
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11
Entertainment Coordinator and Resident DJ at Boston on Blair Wellington
Delivered the Urban Arts program at Wellington City Mission Performed shows in Townsville, Australia and Port Villa, Vanuatu DJ for Wellington Saint Basketball Franchise
12
Opening act for KRS One International Rap Super Star held at The Town Hall
Wellington Footsoujahs performed at Pasifika Festival, Western Springs, Auckland Delivered the Urban Arts program at Wellington City Mission
DJ for Wellington Saint Basketball Franchise
13
Opening act for Lloyd International RnB Star held at The Grand Wellington
Opening act for Pharoahe Monch International RnB Star held at The Grand Wellington When worlds collide, Performed 2 scratch breaks for world mixtape legend DJ Rectangle Judged DMC World Finals at Indigo, 02 Arena, London, England
14
Opening act for NAS International Rap Super Star held at James Cabaret Wellington.
Opening act for Mario International RnB Star held at The Grand Wellington Opening act for Dru Hill International RnB Group held at The Grand Wellington Took over running the NZ DMC franchise, organising Heats & Finals sending the Champion DJ Spell to the World Finals in London, England
15
Resident DJ at Good Luck Bar, Wellington
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16
Major Flaours 2016 Double CD Mixtape
Mixed Disc 2 with DJ Infared released through Universal Music New Zealand, Mr DJ Hawaii Tour performing on The Big Island & O’ahu Opening act for Mya International RnB Super Star held at The Grand Wellington Production Manager for International RnB Super Star Ty Dolla $ign Held at Shed 6, Wellington
17
Bring The Noise Wellington Rugby 7’s, DJ & Music Consultant.
Homegrown, Electronic Stage, Stage Manager Mr DJ US Tour - Hawaii, Las Vegas, Los Angeles. Bump & Grind RnB Club Shows Opening act for Pia Mia International RnB Star held at The Grand Wellington Rumpshaker 10 year anniversary Shows
18
Resident DJ at Humming Bird, Wellington
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19
I Love Samoa Fundraiser Concert
Te Rauparaha Arena, DJ for Creative New Zealand Pasfikia Awards, Held at The Beehive, Wellington
20
Covid
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21
Resident DJ at Ace of Spades
Wellington, Last year of delivery for Whitireia DJ Course started in 2003.
22
DJ for Creative New Zealand Pasfikia Awards
Held at Te Papa, Wellington DJ for Tokomanawa Queens Basketball Franchise.
23
DJ for FIFA Womens World Cup
9 Games Held at Wellington Regional Stadium Homegrown, Electronic Stage, Stage Manager DJ for Tokomanawa Queens Basketball Franchise