Nā Hoa and Kalani Pe’a Nominated for 61st Annual Grammy Award

Two Hawaiʻi musical artists are nominated in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category at the 61st annual Grammy Awards.

Kalani Pe’a’s sophomore release (Aug. 10, 2018) titled “No ‘Ane’i” (We Belong Here); and Aloha From Nā Hoa from the group Nā Hoa are among the five nominees in the category.

Pe’a–who is a native of Panaʻewa on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi and now lives on Maui–won the Grammy in the category two years ago for his debut album “E Walea.”

Nā Hoa is comprised of three musicians: Keoni Souza, Ikaika Blackburn of Maui and Halehaku Seabury-Akaka.

Winners for the upcoming awards will be announced on Sunday Feb. 10, 2019.

In addition to Nā Hoa and Pe’a, other nominees in the category include: Kreole Rock And Soul, Sean Ardoin; Spyboy, Cha Wa; and Mewasinsational – Cree Round Dance Songs, Young Spirit.

Nā Hoa. PC: Nick Masagatani and Kanai’a Nakamura

Nā Hoa. PC: Nick Masagatani and Kanai’a Nakamura

Nā Hoa. PC: Nick Masagatani and Kanai’a Nakamura

“No ‘Ane‘i” is the title of Kalani Pe‘a’s sophomore album, which translates to “We belong here.” Photo By: Antonio Agosto courtesy Maui Arts & Cultural Center

Kalani Pea accepting his 2017 Nā Hōkū Hanohano award.
PC: Darde Gamayo

Kalani Peʻa. Photo Courtesy Of Vision Horse Media / Adam Palumo