Kalani Peʻa wins 4th Grammy in Regional Roots category
Maui resident Kalani Pe‘a won his fourth Grammy for his latest album “Kuini,” in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category. The win is his fourth to date after previous wins in 2017 for his debut album “E Walea,” 2019 for his sophomore album “No ʻAneʻi,” and 2022 for his junior album “Kau Ka Peʻa.”
In accepting the award, Peʻa thanked akua, kupuna, ancestors and forefathers “for instilling in me the gift of love in music.” He explained that “Kuini” means Queen, and the album “honors the matriarchs and the matrilineal powers of the universe—my mother, my grandmothers, your mother, your grandmothers, Queen Emma who established an amazing health care system for us kanaka.”
Peʻa also acknowledge those who accompanied him on the album. “I honor Kihawahine, the goddess of Lahaina, the protector of Mokuʻula—because we live on Maui, we dealt with the wildfires, we can relate. And we’re here to bring healing to the world,” he said.
This is the first Grammy for Engineer and co-producer of the album, Michael Casil. Peʻa’s album was recorded on Maui, at I-Vibe Studios in Kula. It includes 11 tracks that he wrote or co-wrote and features guest artists Jake Shimabukuro, Tiana Nonosina Liufau, Kamehameha Schools Maui Hawaiian Ensemble, Wailau Ryder, Michael Casil, Ron “Ruff” Boyce and more.
Peʻa pays homage to the matriarchal influence that fuels his passion for haku mele (music composition) and preserving his Hawaiian culture. A native of Hilo, his tracks also pay tribute to the island of Maui where he now resides.
The category is for albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental regional roots music recordings.
Peʻa was the only artist from Hawaiʻi among the five nominees in this year’s Best Regional Roots Music Album category.
Others nominees were: “25 Back To My Roots” by Sean Ardoin And Kreole Rock And Soul; “Live At The 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival” by Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & The Golden Eagles Featuring J’Wan Boudreaux; “Live At The 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival” by New Breed Brass Band Featuring Trombone Shorty; and “Stories From The Battlefield” by The Rumble Featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr.
Peʻa reflected to 24 years ago in high school, when he said in his yearbook that one day, he’ll win a Grammy. “This is my fourth Grammy win as a singer-songwriter and independent artist.”
Listen to “Kuini” here.