One of our best up and coming country music talents is being recognised across the ditch. 

Zac Griffith is a self-taught musician from Tapawera, near Nelson, and his rise started at the Gold Guitar Awards, which he won in 2023 at the age of 18.  

He joined Kaylee Bell on tour last year, and got a co-sign from Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson.  

Griffith told Mike Hosking that Bell has been a big influence and cheerleader for him. 

“She really has boosted my confidence, especially with taking me on that tour that she did last year,” he explained.  

“It’s, you know, getting the praise from people that you look up to – people that are doing what you want to be doing.” 

Griffith had won a handful of country music awards before taking home the Gold Guitar, but it was that award that reinforced his path in music.  

“Winning that really was, was a testament to me, and was, yeah the thing that made me go, okay, I must be doing alright.” 

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