Pōpoloheno: Songs of Resilience & Joy

A beautifully curated collection of music, Pōpoloheno: Songs of Resilience & Joy doubles as a powerful moment of acknowledgement of a largely unknown part of African and Hawaiian history. The album addresses the presence and history of African people in Hawaii via traditional mele inoa (name songs), songs of love, songs of heritage and, perhaps most importantly, songs of tribute when it comes to the longevity of the African experience. Pōpoloheno, named after the pōpolo (a black-coloured berry found in Polynesia; also used as a pejorative term against people of African descent), is a compilation of songs and stories that reclaim the term, highlighting the vibrancy and legacy of this community. Notable creative visionary Māhealani Uchiyama has recruited some of Hawaii’s most esteemed artists in bringing this compilation to life. Award-winning artists including Kalani Pe’a and Azure McCall weave empowering moments of storytelling and rhythms through the album, documenting this unique history with purpose and emotional impact. There is much to learn through an album such as this; the most significant lesson of all, is one of endurance, hope and perseverance.