If you had to peg Paula Fuga into a certain music genre, it would be almost impossible. But if you had to? Something like modern Hawaiian soul might suffice. Paula is fueled by the grit and glamour of love. She is as tortured by it as she is inspired. And this is why everyone can relate to her. She is complex, intelligent and real with the depth and passion to become an icon. In May, Paula released her self-produced, all original debut album, Lilikoi, a blend of tradition and evolution: soul and jazz–infused lyrics sprinkled with Hawaiian language, organic instruments like the nose flute and ‘ukulele, and a voice filled with so much soul, you’re guaranteed to become an instant fan.
Internationally, Paula is known as the Hawaiian songstress wearing the “Big Girls Rock” shirt, strumming her ‘ukulele all the way to Hollywood on American Idol. Locally, she is known as Paula, solo artist and singer for Hawaiian roots reggae band DubKonscious, regular at Hawai’i Poetry Slams, educational interpreter at Bishop Museum and active member of Hawaii’s cultural community. In the recording industry, Paula is a rising star who has been likened to a Hawaiian Lauryn Hill is endorsed as a fresh sound by established artists like Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, and Nick Hexum of band 311. Paula’s performance at the 2006 Kokua Festival induced chicken skin throughout the audience. She recently recorded a song she wrote with Jack Johnson called “Country Road” for the Mana Maoli CD, which benefits Native Hawaiian public charter schools. She is a representative of Hawaiian culture in her music and daily life, but at the same time possesses a unique sound that is universally appealing.
(read less)If you had to peg Paula Fuga into a certain music genre, it would be almost impossible. But if you had to? Something like modern Hawaiian soul might suffice. Paula is fueled by the grit and glamour of love. She is as tortured by it as she is inspired. And this is why everyone can relate to her. She is complex, intelligent and real with the depth and passion to become an icon. In May, Paula released her self-produced, all original debut album, Lilikoi, a blend of tradition and evolution: soul...
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