Kalani Peʻa became the first Hawaii recording artist to win a Grammy and a Hoku Award for the same album last year. This year he’s nominated in the regional roots music album category.
Maui recording artist Kalani Pe‘a will vie for his second Grammy Award after being named a nominee in the regional roots music album category today.
Pe‘a, who was nominated for his album “No ‘Ane‘i,” was joined by fellow Hawaii nominees Na Hoa for their album “Aloha from Na Hoa.”
The Recording Academy announced its 2019 Grammy nominations today. The winners will be revealed at the 61st Grammy Awards airing Feb. 10 on CBS.
When Pe‘a brought home the coveted Grammy in 2017 for his debut album “E Walea,” it was first time in the history of the regional roots category, which includes Hawaiian, Native American, polka, Cajun and zydeco music, that the award went to a Native Hawaiian recording artist.
This year’s other regional roots album nominees are “Kreole Rock and Soul” by Sean Ardoin; “Spyboy” by Cha Wa, a New Orleans-based group that mixes funk with traditional Mardi Gras Indian music; and “Mewasinsational: Cree Round Dance Songs” by Young Spirit.
Although not from Hawaii, slack-key guitarist Jim Kimo West captured a Grammy nomination for best New Age album for “Moku Maluhia: Peaceful Island.” West, who lives in Los Angeles but spends time in the islands, has performed at slack-key guitar festivals and is a former Na Hoku Hanohano nominee.
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