Smokefree Tangata Beats is a live, original music, nationwide, youth event that recognises and reflects the unique cultural identity of Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The event started in 1994 as the Urban Beats Award within Smokefreerockquest. The event has steadily built over the years into a competition in its own right, and was originally called Smokefree Pacifica Beats. It was renamed as Smokefree Tangata Beats for 2018 to be more inclusive.

The Smokefree Tangata Beats competition aims to be a platform for developing and growing young music talent in Aotearoa. It has been a nurturing ground for young artists who are successful today, such as Nesian Mystik – Nesian Mystik are the only New Zealand band to ever have ten singles all certified gold or platinum.

Smokefree Tangata Beats aims to motivate young musicians to prove their ability with cultural relevance and realise the heights they can reach in their music careers, and to encourage their peers to support 100% original Aotearoa Kiwi music.‍