It is week TWO of the 2024 HI 93 Presents Hawaii’s Finest Talent Contest semi-finals and things are starting to heat up!
Pacific Media Group’s statewide local music radio stations including HI93 Oahu (KQMQ), HI92 Maui (KLHI), HI95 Kauai (KSRF), and KAPA-FM Hawaii Island collaborated with Hawaii’s Finest on a statewide talent contest to help discover and launch Hawaii’s newest star.
We’re down to 14 semi-finalists coming from all across the islands—but, there can only be one winner. The winner will get a grand prize of $1,000 plus a recording session and a performance spot at a future Hawaii’s Finest concert!
The road to Hawaii’s next finest talent continued on Thursday, June 27 at HB Social Club. For week two of the HI Finest Talent Contest (hosted by HI93’s own Pu’unui), we got to see two more semi-finalists perform: Kalei from Waipahu and MJ Fuata & Ohana from Waianae. Our headliners for the night were Keala and PeniDean. So, how did they do?
Talent #3: Kalei
Kalei starts off the show by performing an original “Tired Heart”—a cool, R&B track that explores his feelings of unrequited love—which he later mashed up with a cover of Bob Marley’s “Pimper’s Paradise.” The Waipahu native has a unique voice that moves like silk. It’s great for smooth, easy listening. He brought an infectious, positive energy throughout his performance. He seemed very comfortable and poised on stage, even going as far as to give a shout-out to the people who didn’t believe in him for inspiring his song and lighting his passion. Hey, the best songs come from heartbreak and adversity—and he sounded great.
Although he performed only one song, it was enough to show off his whole vocal ability. Learn more about Kalei through our interview Before & After The Stage and follow him at @_808_kalei_ on Instagram. See more pictures at the Flickr slideshow below.
Talent #4: MJ Fuata & Ohana
MJ Fuata graces the stage with his mom and cousin, bringing the spirit of aloha with a Hawaiian mele performance. His set consisted of three songs: “Alika” by Genoa Keawe, “Na U’i O Kaua’i,” and a cover of “You’re The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” by Gladys Knight & The Pips. It was a beautiful performance that showcased what Hawaii is all about. Fuata completely swept us away with his soothing falsetto and graceful stage presence. He looked happy to be on stage, playing alongside his Ohana—which just got a little bigger as his sister gave birth to a baby girl during soundcheck (I’m not crying, you’re crying!).
Fuata put on a strong showcase that left us very impressed. Learn more about MJ Fuata through our interview Before & After The Stage and follow him at @mckenjay_fuata on Instagram. See more pictures at the Flickr slideshow below.
Overall Thoughts
Kalei and MJ Fuata left us wanting more. They were both very comfortable on stage—and if there were any nerves, I certainly didn’t see it. Both talents had unique styles and voices that were pleasant and vibrant. I really don’t know how the judges will figure this one. Kalei and Fuata just made their jobs much harder.
Be There for Week 3 of the HI Finest Talent Contest
If you missed night two of the HI Finest Talent Contest, you can catch their performances on our socials. But don’t worry, we’ve still got more talents to come. Come back next week on July 4 at HB Social Club to see the next two contestants: Hazel from Waianae and Candice from Papakolea. Plus, our headliners for the event will be Ten Feet and Chardonnay. Tickets are only $10. Get yours at the door.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and live on air on 93.1 to stay updated on the HI Finest Talent Contest.
Ladies and Gentlemen, We Got It!
Since we were back at HB Social Club, you know I had to go back to my friend Shane at HNL Poke Co and order another sushi bake—and I’ve captured a picture of it and all of its delicious glory. It’s a creative, reimagined spin on a signature dish. Don’t let the looks fool you. It may seem small, but trust me, they pack a lot of food and protein in there. And, it has a nice spicy sauce that tickles the roof of your mouth.
So, if you need some food while you’re at the HI Finest Talent Contest, get yourself a sushi bake (and get them quick because they are a top seller).
