A massive congratulations to Kahu Sanson-Burnett, his cousin Alyahna Sanson-Rejouis (Nelson College for Girls) and their band 'JOLA BURNS' who came second in the Solo/Duo category at the National Rockquest Finals in Auckland last weekend!

Not only did Kahu compete as one half of JOLA BURNS, he also performed alongside his fellow 'Parallel Park' band members, who were invited to be a guest band for the competition. Kahu says performing with Parallel Park was "just super fun."

"We didn't have any stress about trying to win and we got to play four songs instead of just two," he said.

JOLA BURNS were up against some pretty tough competition, performing alongside the Top 10 bands and artists chosen out of 900 entries from around the country, so it was an incredible achievement just to be there. To come second solo/duo nationally, is simply outstanding. 

"Even just coming Top 10 is still a win," said Kahu. "Winning doesn't make anyone's career, but it's just super cool," he said. 

Next year Kahu is heading to Massey University to study a Bachelor of Commercial Music. With Alyahna being only Year 10 at Nelson College for Girls, the pair will continue writing songs by distance, catching up online and in the school holidays. 

JOLA BURNS have released three singles this year. Find them on Spotify to have a listen.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/JOLA BURNS

And you can check out their Rockquest Nationals performance here:

Congratulations again Kahu and Alyahna!