Page 4 - MidWeek East - May 18, 2022

4 MAY 18, 2022
Local Student Pays Homage To His Heritage Through Music, Releases Single
FROM PAGE 1
maybe this is what old Ha- wai‘i was like. Then, my dad chipped in with lyrics about the fights that our kūpuna went through, and we put in our own thoughts and feelings of the trials our people have been through,” says Kealoha.
Louis and he’s grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a prestigious school. He says he met the principal Glenn Medeiros at an ‘uku- lele competition.
“It started with a catchy chorus and I took it to my dad. He liked it and we fig- ured out what would make sense,” says Kealoha.
The song starts with an oli chant with dramat- ic beats before Kealoha’s clear voice begins.
Culture is clearly an im- portant part of Kealoha’s identity. He credits his fam- ily for the love that they’ ve instilled in him.
“He took me under his wing and asked if I wanted to come to his school,” says Kealoha. “It was a blessing, and such a blessing for me to have that opportunity.”
“The song talks about the past, present and fu- ture trials of Hawai‘i. In the first verse we talk about the pandemic in a way — it talks about how during the shutdown we went to Waikīkī and no one was around and the water was clear,” says Kealoha.
“My family always made it important to attend cul- tural events together, to mālama the ‘āina and be part of a hula hālau, under kumu hula Mandi Scott,” Kealoha says. “Family is one of the most impactful ways for me to learn my culture and history.”
This summer, he’s hop- ing to have a new single before junior year starts. By the time he graduates school, his goal is to have a full album out.
The song even address- es COVID-19 as “another virus from a foreign land” washing up to Hawai‘i’s shore.
Those who are interested in staying up to date with his musical career can find him on Instagram (@ka- laikealoha_music.)
“It made me think of
He’s the first person in his family to attend Saint
Koko War is available on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
Kala‘i Kealoha’s new single Koko War — which depicts Hawai‘i’s past, present and future trials — is available on music streaming services. PHOTO COURESTY KALA‘I KEALOHA
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