Idol Chatter & Voice Views

His audition: Kamalei Kawa’a, 26, of Maui, Hawaii performed “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley and The Wailers: Chance turned around on the opening line. Kamalei showed off a nice clear tone and some pretty nice range as well. Late in the song, Reba turned, joining Chance. Chance loves the song choice and says it’s important to have someone like Kamalei on the show. Reba said the song touched her heart, as did Kamalei’s spiritual performance. Kamalei opted to join Team Chance.

Here’s more about Kamalei Kawa’a:

* He’s a Hawaiian musician and likely in pretty rare company as a Voice auditioner who was already nominated for a Grammy award.

* That happened because he’s been part of the Hawaiian music group Nā Wai ʻEhā, which has released two albums, a self-titled project in 2018 and the 11-song “Lovely Sunrise” in 2019.

* “Lovely Sunrise” was one of five albums nominated in the category of best regional roots album for the 2021 Grammys. The win went to the New Orleans Nightcrawlers for “Atmosphere.”

* Kamalei Kawa’a also performs solo and released a single called “Sweet Dreams Ku’u Momi” in 2021. It’s a song inspired by his great-grandmother.

* That release was also celebrated, albeit on a smaller scale. It was nominated as single of the year and music video of the year at the 2022 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, which celebrates the best in Hawaiian music. Check out the “Sweet Dreams” music video below.

* According to a website bio, Kamalei Kawa`a, now 27, was born and raised in Waiehu, Maui.

* He began playing the ukulele at age 4, has been playing Hawaiian music ever since and won a falsetto singing competition at age 15.

* Kamalei Kawa’a has since earned an associate degree in Hawaiian studies from the University of Hawaii Maui College.

* He’s married and has a one-year old daughter and, judging from his Instagram, proposed to his wife at one of his shows.

Kamalei Kawa’a on social media:
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
YouTube