Sid Diamond – formerly known as Young Sid – is a pioneering voice in Aotearoa hip hop. Of Cook Islands Māori and Māori descent, with whakapapa to Ngāpuhi and Te Rarawa, Sid is known for his honest storytelling, cultural pride and commitment to representing South Auckland and communities whose voices are too often unheard.
As a founding member of Smashproof, Sid helped create the landmark hit Brother. The group’s debut album, The Weekend, achieved Gold sales, while Smashproof received six New Zealand Music Awards nominations in 2009 and won Most Singles Sold, Best Music Video and the People’s Choice Award.
Sid’s debut solo album, The Truth, won Māori Urban Album of the Year and was nominated for Hip Hop Album of the Year. His second album, What Doesn’t Kill Me, was nominated for Best Urban Album, while Sid received awards for Best Māori Urban Album and Māori Male Solo Artist. He has also twice been shortlisted in the APRA Top 20 songs.
Across a career spanning nearly 20 years, Sid has explored community, generational trauma, survival, fatherhood, love and the evolving identity of Polynesian men.
Sid Diamond are:
Sidney Diamond
