You can hear it in the gentle rasp of his wave-washed vocal soul. You can see it in his smile. For Iam Tongi, music is about transformation – and it always has been. A Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter and the Season 21 champion of American Idol, the 20-year-old Tongi first picked up a ukulele in the fifth grade, immersed in a deeply musical world filled with the traditional singing and dance of Pacific Island cultures. Living in the small town of Kahuku on the northern tip of Ohau, Tongi learned to sing from his father, who in turned had learned from his father before him. Clearly blessed with an expressive, charismatic voice, Tongi was pushed hard and developed a multi-faceted sound blending island reggae with the influence of his family record collection – which included country (Kenny Rogers), classic rock (Dr. Hook), and R&B (Luther Vandross). By 13 Tongi had played his first show, but after moving to Seattle a few years later – and losing his father in 2021 – the young talent nearly gave music up completely. His mother secretly signed him up for American Idol, and after Tongi’s viral audition performance of James Blunt’s “Monsters” became one of Idol’s all time emotional highlights, he went on to win Season 21, making history as the first Pacific Islander to ever win the show. With a thriving fanbase which supports millions of global on-demand streams and social media followers and nationwide concert tours, Tongi now begins a new chapter of life and music. Teaming up with acclaimed songwriter/producer Johnny Reid, his 2024 single “Road to Hana” marks a creative transition leaning into his cultural heritage and musical roots – but also the man he’s become. Fusing breezy beach balladry and sunshine country with laid-back soul, gospel, and more, new music is in the works, as Tongi looks to spread a feel-good message of positivity to the horizon, and beyond.

New Single "Stand By Me (Drew Forever)" Out Now
https://ck.ffm.to/standbyme

Kolohe Kai – A local Hawaii reggae band that began in high school, Kolohe Kai translates in Hawaiian to “rascal waters”. Leader singer and song-writer Roman De Peralta started writing songs at the age of fifteen and was noticed by a very successful record label here in Hawaii. After winning the state-wide talent show “Brown Bags to Stardom”, Roman went on his way with a group of friends to release an all-original album entitled “This is the Life”. As a senior in high school, Roman never expected to have his very first song on the radio. The unexpected success of this album lead Kolohe Kai to graduate high school in 2010 with two Na Hoku Hanohano award nominations. After releasing the second album “Love Town”, Kolohe Kai made their official New Zealand and Australia debut, head-lining their very first tour. After much traveling and performing, Roman decided to take a break, which lasted a couple years. Now renewed and refreshed Kolohe Kai has returned and has just released a third album entitled “Paradise”. This all-original album contains ten songs Roman wrote while away from his music career. He spent the majority of his time volunteering to help people discover a better future through Bible education. With all the love and joy experienced on that journey, the album track “Paradise” was inspired. He hopes the fans feel that same happiness from his music. Through all the trials and heartache these days can bring, Kolohe Kai is continuing to see the good in life and share that view with millions around the world. What started as a band, continues as a people. All the fans around the world whether they know it or not are truly a part of  the music. Join the movement. Spread aloha!

Heralded as one of Polynesia's #1 commercial recording artists, Maoli has been credited with over 21 #1 Regional Island Reggae Hits. Since their debut in 2007 the group has been steadily on the rise, having performed in at least 42 of the 50 states, as well as New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Guam, and Saipan Territories. 
   
Throughout the years Maoli's music has matured into a sound and style that is constantly evolving to reflect and meet the eclectic taste of the group themselves and their loving fans. Maoli has developed their own unique sound by fusing the elements of Country, R&B, Soul, Acoustic, Rock & Roll, and Reggae. This "Country Reggae" has been labeled as heartfelt, uplifting, feel good music that has an impressive reach, enabling the group to sell out the largest venues in the state of Hawai'i.
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At The i-Heart's Island Music Awards in 2020, Maoli won the "Album of The Year" award for "Sense of Purpose", along with the prestigious "Group of the Year" award. They were able to replicate that success in 2021 by winning the 'Album of the Year' award for "The Breakthrough," as well as 'Song of the Year' for "My Reason." Among those awards include a 2020 Na Hoku Hanohano Award for "Reggae Album Of The Year." It’s only through tireless perseverance and attention to artistry, that they were proudly able to achieve these awards completely independently.
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The saga continues as the group continues to release a new, genre spanning single every two weeks as a part of the Maoli Music Overload project.

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