Kalani Pe‘a Wins Grammy for Sophomore Album

Kalani Pe’a wins 2019 GRAMMY for his sophomore album. PC: 2.10.19 by Allan B Cool

Kalani Peʻa picked up his second GRAMMY award tonight, this time for his sophomore album, No ʻAneʻi, which released in August.

Dressed in a purple sequin blazer and beginning his acceptance speech in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Peʻa said, “The Hawaiian language shall live!” He also thanked his parents and grandparents for “instilling cultural values and practices,” saying the foundation of cultural learning starts at home. Peʻa also thanked Nā Hoa, colleagues from Hawaiʻi who were also nominated in the category.

Peʻa said, “No ʻAneʻi is the title of my album, which means ‘We belong here.’ Everyone in this room has a gift and talent. We are profound and prominent resources for the communities we serve.” He also reflected upon his grandmother who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease saying “music is medicine for her. Music is healing for us all.”

He continued saying, “We need to continue building bridges and collaborating as independent artists. Build bridges not walls.”

Kalani Peʻa was also a presenter at the 2019 GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony. He won his first GRAMMY in 2017 for his debut album “E Walea.”

Peʻa’s No ʻAneʻi album was one of two Hawaiʻi albums that were considered in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category that was awarded during a Premiere Ceremony which preceded the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast on Sunday.

To be considered, the albums had to contain at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental regional roots music recordings.

Others in the category included: Nā Hoa featuring Keoni Souza, Ikaika Blackburn of Maui and Halehaku Seabury-Akaka; Kreole Rock and Soul by Sean Ardoin; Spyboy by Cha Wa; and Mewasinsational – Cree Round Dance Songs by Young Spirit.