Savage (rapper)
A pioneering New Zealand rapper who broke global barriers, turning a local hip-hop sound into a surprise U.S. platinum phenomenon.
Born 1981 (age 45)·New Zealand hip hop artist·Birthday: June 28·Millennials
Biography
Long before New Zealand hip-hop had a consistent international spotlight, Savage was building an empire from the bottom up in South Auckland. As a core member of the Deceptikonz, he helped forge a distinct local scene. His solo breakthrough, however, was seismic. The song 'Swing,' with its infectious bassline and catchy hook, became an unlikely viral smash in the United States, eventually earning a platinum plaque—a first for any New Zealand hip-hop artist. Savage proved this was no fluke by seamlessly adapting years later, lending his iconic baritone to EDM anthems like 'Freaks' with Timmy Trumpet, which dominated charts worldwide. His career is a masterclass in longevity and adaptation, moving from foundational local crew member to accidental stateside hitmaker to dance music fixture, all while maintaining his Pacific identity.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Savage was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Savage Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Savage's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first New Zealand hip-hop artist to earn a platinum-certified single in the United States with 'Swing' in 2009.
- His collaboration 'Freaks' with Timmy Trumpet achieved 5x platinum status in Australia and became a global dance hit.
- The Pacific Music Awards created the 'International Breakthrough' category in his honor following his U.S. success.
- Released the influential solo album 'Savage Island,' which debuted at number one on the New Zealand albums chart.
Did You Know?
His stage name was inspired by the professional wrestler 'Macho Man' Randy Savage.
The hit song 'Swing' was originally released in New Zealand in 2005 but didn't break in the U.S. until 2009.
He is of Samoan descent, and his real name is Demetrius C. Savelio.
Savage made a cameo appearance in the 2007 film 'Sione's Wedding,' a classic of New Zealand cinema.
“We built this sound from the streets of South Auckland.”
