Congratulations to Auckland rapper Randa, who won a $10,000 recording grant by taking out the Critics' Choice Prize for the 2014 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.

The 21-year-old impressed the crowd and judges at the Kings Arms in Auckland last night with his set of original rhymes.

Randa was up against two other nominees for the prize - electronic artist Lake South, and Wellington singer/songwriter Estere.

After each performing a 30 minute set, the winner was announced.

Randa takes home a $10,000 music and recording grant from NZ on Air, plus law, career, and management advice.