It is with deep gratitude and excitement that I share my first every single
"I Ola Nā Iwi" is out on all streaming platforms, as part of the Kukulu - A Tribute to the Pillars of Mauna a Wakea Compilation Album. I wrote this mele during occupation and ceremony on Puʻuhonua ʻO Puʻuhuluhulu at the base of Mauna Kea, as we stood in protection of our most sacred mountain from the desecration of the building of the Thirty Meter Telescope. I share this single as an offering to our Mauna, but also to all protectors around the world protecting our most sacred.
This song urges the listener to heed the voice calling them forth to stand. The lyrics declare that the systemic and internal walls of hostility fall down that we all may hear and know the cry of the land and the cry of the people. I Ola Nā Iwi was written shortly after the kāhea to stand for Mauna Kea went out, when police enforcement was imminent. This is a rallying cry to prepare, be strong and courageous and to rise to protect that which we love. E hū e!
"This is such a powerful song! The imagery and meaning goes so deep and the tune really carries the depth and seriousness to stand for the nation and āina, to rise up and protect that which is so priceless! And that it was written on the mauna is so significant. Even after hearing it I did myself repeating the song in my head so it is extremely catching and memorable and very inspirational."
-Brenda Wong
I Ola Nā Iwi is a personal favorite of mine from this album. The deep kaona and beautiful imagery used by the composer is so powerful and yet elegant at the same time. I especially love the part as her voices rises as she sings the lines “e koa, e Ikaika, e wiwoʻole, me Ka hoʻomana i ka wā nui, e ka lāhui ehu ē,” every time I hear it, it stirs up so much memories of the Mauna, of the waiting for justice, of the beautiful community working and thriving together in solidarity and Kapu Aloha.
-Isaiah Smith
"In “I Ola Nā Iwi”, a sense of calling, lament, invitation, preparation, and hope is beautifully evoked through the steadfast voice and rich melodies, even despite my limited knowledge of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i. The composer brilliantly weaves in words said over a century prior in protest against the annexation of Hawai‘i by the United States, highlighting the generations of resistance to U.S. occupation and paying homage to the Kūkulu (Pillars) of the past that we stand on today. It is evident that this mele, the artist’s first ever recorded single, was birthed from a sacred place."
- Kristen Young
I Ola Na Iwi is call, it's a kahea. And to hear the call to stand, to rise up, even for bones to live. The manao behind this mele is so strong! If more people could hear this kahea, I feel like walls would fall.
-Anonymous
"I Ola Nā Iwi is beautiful, powerful, and moving. Drawing from the words of our kūpuna, I Ola Nā Iwi captures the pule and intentions of those standing in protection of Mauna Kea, while also giving voice to Kanaka everywhere who carry a fierce, steadfast, and unwavering aloha for aina."
-Dani Espiritu
I Ola Nā Iwi does just as the lyrics say: breathes life into dry bones. This mele beautifully weaves together the spirits of Kia'i who have come before us and the Kia'i of today as a hopeful kāhea for the future of Ka Lāhui Hawai'i.
-Cassie Chee
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