PBS Hawai‘i Presents Nā Mele: Keilana and Her Song Challenge

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

With a new generation of local artists comes new traditions in Hawaiian song, and among those at the forefront of the ever-evolving sound of Island music is Keilana Mokulehua. In the latest episode of PBS Hawai‘i’s Nā Mele on Monday, Aug. 21, at 7:30 p.m., Keilana takes the stage.

Hampered by anxiety in her earlier years, Keilana first found her voice through encouragement from her family and her alma mater, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, then found success through uploads of her acoustic covers on YouTube. She then crafted and sharpened her neo-soul style in front of crowds, from bars to weddings, leading her across the continental U.S. Back home, her debut album I Am earned her a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for Most Promising Artist in 2021. She now finds herself well on the way to realizing her dream of sharing her home with the world, and PBS Hawai‘i is honored to be a stop on her journey.

On the PBS Hawai‘i YouTube channel, another new tradition takes shape: the PBS Hawai‘i Song Challenge. Contestants are given a word, and they have 10 seconds for each word to sing a song with that word in it. Artists like Kuana Torres Kahele, Robert Cazimero and Kulāiwi have all tried their hand, and now Keilana—no stranger to YouTube herself—puts her jukebox-like musical repertoire to the test. Watch it now, and don’t forget to subscribe.

Nā Mele: Keilana

Monday, Aug. 21, at 7:30 p.m.

Broadcast and streaming on the PBS Hawai‘i Facebook and YouTube

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Every month, HONOLULU publishes a blog written by the folks at PBS Hawai‘i, the only locally owned, statewide television station in Hawaiʻi that receives support mainly through donations. Visit pbshawaii.org to learn more about exceptional, locally produced shows and the most prominent provider of educational and national programming. Explore music and the arts, discover in-depth documentaries and learn what makes Hawai‘i so special. Follow PBS Hawai‘i on all platforms: @pbshawaii