Josh Tatofi

Josh Tatofi was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father, established local musician Tivaini Tatofi, is an original member of the acclaimed reggae band Kapena.
 
Josh’s early career resembled that of a reggae-lover, consisting of upbeat melodies, catchy hooks and local collaborations.  He yearned to fuse his R&B soul with a love for his Polynesian heritage.  “I ka wā ma hope, I ka wā mamua.”  A Hawaiian proverb meaning, the future is in the past.  In 2014, Josh had a career altering epiphany and discovered a home for his voice in traditional Hawaiian music.

He released his first Hawaiian language single and album, both titled ‘Pua Kiele’ and with it embedded his imprint in the Hawaiian music scene. Since then, Josh has earned the nickname as, ‘the Luther Vandross of Hawaii’ and continues to express his soul through Hawaiian mele.    In 2017, he won two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.  He garnered a Grammy nomination in 2018 for the same album in the category of Regional Roots.

Josh released his next album ‘Ua Kui A Lawa’ in 2019, which won 5 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 2020.  Josh also won the 2021 Island Music Award for Male Artist of the Year and has won the Best International Pacific Artist in 2020 and 2023 at the Pacific Music Awards.

The work didn’t stop there in 2020 as Josh released his first Christmas EP project titled ‘A Jream Christmas’.  He has continued to release a number of singles each year, both originals and covers; and to perform in Hawaii, the mainland and overseas.  There are plans tour in New Zealand and Australia in 2024, amongst other key performances and events.
 
 
Nominated for:
NIU FM BEST INTERNATIONAL PACIFIC ARTIST
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