Island Artists Release Exciting New Music

Several prominent artists with deep Island roots are set to release new music this Friday, 30 January, promising a week of vibrant releases for fans across genres.

Iam Tongi

Iam Tongi, the American Idol winner raised in Kahuku, Hawaii, has announced his latest single, “Eyes for You”, due for release this Friday. The accompanying music video, shared on social media, features Tongi’s fiancée, with whom he made their engagement official on Instagram in late December.

In a recent conversation with Aloha State Daily, Tongi reflected on the inspiration behind his music, advice received from a family auntie, and the unforgettable experience of making his debut at the Grand Ole Opry. With North Shore roots, Tongi has cultivated a substantial following, boasting over 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify. His recent notable project includes a performance of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” with the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus for Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, released in May 2025.

Jake Shimabukuro

Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has unveiled plans for his new album, “Calm Seas”, also set for release this Friday. In an Instagram post, Shimabukuro described the project as “an eye-opening, healing journey” that rekindled his connection with nature. Each track blends meditative soundscapes with his signature ukulele, all recorded in Hawaii. He encourages listeners to “slow down, reflect, and let nature guide the rhythm of life.”

Shimabukuro first gained international attention when his ukulele rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral on YouTube, launching his extensive touring career. Today, he is recognised as one of the world’s finest ukulele players, with over 660,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Kanaka Fyah

Emerging reggae band Kanaka Fyah is releasing their newest single, “Morning Sun”, a collaboration with BraddaHoodz, on the same day. The band’s songwriter, Randin Napeahi, previously discussed their breakout hit, “Only Jah Jah Knows”, which has amassed over 14.7 million streams on Spotify. The song was initially composed during a journey along Saddle Road, captured in a voice memo while Napeahi simultaneously wrote the lyrics.

Currently, Kanaka Fyah has more than 445,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Their track “The Underground is Here” is also popular, accumulating over 1.5 million streams, signalling the band’s growing influence in the reggae scene.

Summary of Upcoming Releases

This Friday marks a celebration of Hawaiian and Island-rooted artistry, offering fans a diverse range of music, from soulful singles to meditative ukulele compositions and vibrant reggae rhythms.