Iam Tongi and Shimabukuro Release New Music

This Friday, 30 January, a collection of new music from artists with strong Island roots is set to be released, offering fans a blend of contemporary pop, reggae, and meditative instrumental sounds. Here is a closer look at the upcoming releases and the artists behind them.

Iam Tongi
“Iam Tongi, the winner of American Idol who grew up in Kahuku, Hawaii, has announced his new single, Eyes for You, set to release this Friday. The song’s music video, shared on social media today, features his fiancé, the couple having made their engagement Instagram official in late December.

Recently, Tongi spoke with Aloha State Daily, discussing his musical inspirations, advice received from an auntie, and his reflections on making his debut at the iconic Grand Ole Opry. A native of North Shore, Tongi has quickly become a favourite among listeners, boasting over 1.5 million monthly Spotify followers.

In addition to his solo work, Tongi recently performed Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride alongside the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus for Disney’s live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, which premiered in May 2025. His performances combine heartfelt lyrics with a deep connection to Hawaiian culture, resonating widely with audiences worldwide.

Jake Shimabukuro
Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has announced the release of his new album, Calm Seas, also set for 30 January. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Shimabukuro described the project as “eye-opening” and “healing,” explaining that it rekindled his connection with nature.

“Each track features meditative soundscapes paired with the ukulele, all recorded in Hawai’i,” he shared. “Slow down, reflect, and let nature lead the pacing of our lives.” Shimabukuro first rose to international prominence when his ukulele rendition of While My Guitar Gently Weeps went viral on YouTube, launching his touring career. Today, he is regarded as one of the finest ukulele players globally, with over 660,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Kanaka Fyah
Up-and-coming reggae band Kanaka Fyah will release their latest single, Morning Sun, a collaboration with BraddaHoodz. The band’s songwriter, Randin Napeahi, who penned their hit Only Jah Jah Knows, shared with ASD how the track was conceived while travelling along Saddle Road after a gig on Hawai’i Island. The original version was recorded via a voice memo, with lyrics composed simultaneously.

Kanaka Fyah currently has over 445,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Their earlier song, The Underground is Here, has amassed more than 1.5 million streams, cementing their place in Hawaii’s contemporary reggae scene.

Key Details of Upcoming Releases

These releases highlight the diversity and richness of Island-rooted music, ranging from heartfelt pop ballads to meditative ukulele compositions and vibrant reggae tracks. Fans across the globe eagerly anticipate Friday’s releases, each promising to bring a fresh sound rooted in tradition, culture, and innovation.