Jacinda Ardern chose drum and bass for her big moment
The former New Zealand PM selected 'Star' by Shapeshifter as her walkout song when becoming Labour leader in 2017.
Ardern became Labour leader in March 2017 after Andrew Little resigned, then won the prime minister's office eight months later. Before stepping on stage, she had to pick a song that felt like her.
Shapeshifter's 'Star', a local drum and bass band's track, was the song she settled on. Music shaped her life: country records in childhood, Smashing Pumpkins as a teen, drum and bass later.
She worried the bold choice might not land at the Labour conference, but it felt true and optimistic.
- 2017
- Year became Labour leader
- 37
- Age at the time
- 2008
- MP since
- October 2017
- PM position achieved
Why it mattersIt shows how even in high-pressure moments, leaders try to stay true to who they are rather than play it safe.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect now, but Ardern remains a known figure in Australian public life as a former regional leader.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 7 d ago
