Jay Epae

Jay Epae (7 March 1933 – 25 July 1994), born Nicholas Epae, was a Māori pop singer from Manaia, Taranaki, New Zealand. He moved to the United States in 1957. His albums were released on the American Mercury label until 1962, when he switched to American Capitol. In 1966, he switched to New Zealand's Viking Records.^[1]

Jay Epae
Birth name	Nicholas Epae
Born	(1933-03-07)7 March 1933 Manaia, Taranaki, New Zealand
Origin	New Zealand
Died	25 July 1994(1994-07-25) (aged 61)
Genres	Pop
Years active	1960–1967
Labels	American Mercury American Capitol Viking

His single Putti Putti was a hit in Sweden and Finland after the Swedish pirate radio station Radio Nord picked it up (on its hit list for 41 weeks), and he toured there soon after its release. He soon after faded out of the spotlight. In 1966, he wrote a hit single for Maria Dallas called Tumblin' Down, which won her the Loxene Golden Disc award.^[1]

He died on 25 July 1994 at the age of 61.^[1]

Discography

Albums

Title	Details
Hold on tight! It's Jay Epae	Released: 1966 Label: Viking (VP212) Format: LP

Awards and nominations

Aotearoa Music Awards

The Aotearoa Music Awards (previously known as New Zealand Music Awards (NZMA)) are an annual awards night celebrating excellence in New Zealand music and have been presented annually since 1965.

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result	Ref.
1966	"I Need You"	Single of the Year	Nominated	[2]