We’re thrilled to announce that award-winning musician Josh Tatofi will be headlining our World Stage for Hawai‘i Broadcast Showcase on November 20! Josh, who was born and raised in Honolulu, was born into the music industry (his father was in the popular reggae band Kapena!). Josh began performing reggae-inspired sounds across the islands as an early teen, and in 2014, made the switch to traditional Hawaiian music. Two years later, he released a full-length Hawaiian album titled Pua Kiele, thereby making his mark as the “Luther Vandross of Hawai‘i.” Today he is a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning artist on Haku Collective’s impressive roster of talent.
Josh is performing as part of our collaboration with Haku Collective (Mana Up, Cohort Five), who plays a 360-degree role of a recording studio, indie label, booking agent, publishing and management providing different opportunities to artists in order to help build local musicians’ following and repertoire. Haku Collective weaves various components into its company from song albums to a line of products and even a youth program.
We had a chance to talk story with Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer and founder/president of Haku Collective, Kimié Miner to learn more about a four-year-old mentorship program she started to give a voice to Hawai‘i’s rising stars.
Haku Collective has a roster of programs that help to foster youth in the creative arts and specifically music. The MeleCraft Mentorship Program is a free one-day fully immersive workshop where children and young adults ages 13 through 25, train with the islands’ top recording artists including the likes of Kimié Miner, Henry Kapono, Imua Garza and Paula Fuga just to name a few. During the annual workshop, mentees learn the art of songwriting and recording, and even practice interviewing with the media!
MeleCraft mentees recently teamed up with Nā Kama Kai’s Alaka‘i Mentorship Program, debuting its first album “Children of the Sea (Nā Kama Kai).” This collaboration gave birth to Haku Keiki, a new group under Haku Collective’s label dedicated to showcasing our islands’ young, up-and-coming talent. Keiki cohorts are nearly 75% Native Hawaiian youth, which is why Kimié is committed to fostering cultural immersion experiences during the program. All albums are recorded in both English and Hawaiian, a platform for singers to pay homage to their heritage and culture.
We love and appreciate that Haku Collective is doing so much to fuel the creative industry in Hawai‘i and look forward to having Josh at our showcase to share his incredible talent with the world.
Be sure to catch Josh Tatofi and other esteemed local talent from Haku Collective during our Showcase on November 20 starting at 2:30 p.m. HST. Click HERE to register now, and see Haku Collective among other rising local entrepreneurs during Hawai‘i’s ultimate lifestyle event of the year!
As the holiday season approaches, businesses everywhere are gearing up to show appreciation to clients, partners, and employees. It's the perfect time to think outside the box and elevate your corporate gifting game with a touch of Hawai’i's unique charm. Enter House of Mana Up, your gateway to authentic Hawaiian products that are sure to make your holiday gifts stand out and be remembered. Take a look at some of the categories of gifts we have to offer!
Hawaiian Airlines® Bank of Hawaii World Elite Mastercard and Mana Up announce the third season of the Meet the Makers series featuring rising Hawai‘i entrepreneurs and their unique stories.
Your dad is the man, and your Father’s Day gift should show him that you really believe that! This Father’s Day, shower your pops with gifts from the islands to show him that you truly care.