Joshua Kahula and Nuff Sedd Take the Nā Mele Stage on PBS Hawai‘i

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

Coming of age in simpler, more optimistic times, multi-dimensional musician and recording artist Joshua Kahula is guided by one powerful word—aloha. By definition and sentiment, it has the power to shape days and change lives.

Inspired by life after the Lahaina fires, the Maui native’s song “Cup of Aloha” reminds people what is truly important and how a simple act of aloha can have giant impact.

“At that time, you look at each of us in the community, and it’s as though our cup was spilled. Everyone was just trying to survive,” says Kahula. “But if people can fill up their cup with aloha and get back to a better situation, help the next person fill their cup, we can rebuild our community. Not just Lahaina. It would go a long way. If you get more aloha in the world, things would be much better.”

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

The origin stories for many of Kahula’s songs come from everyday experiences everyone can relate to whether it be love, ambition, personalities or even a surge in the chicken population across the islands.

“When I wrote ‘Cuckoo,’ I was doing graveyard shift, and I would get home at 6 a.m.,” says Kahula. “We had chickens and dogs and lived right by the road, and it was so hard to sleep! I thought, man, we have so many chickens on island now, and that inspired this song.”

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

From light-hearted to introspective, Kahula admits the lyrics of his songs have taken on new meaning in the years since they were first written as he has grown as a man, a husband and a father.

“‘Life is Perfect’ is probably one of my favorite songs that I got to pen,” says Kahula. “It takes on a different meaning now. If anything, life isn’t perfect, but I feel like you can kind of create your little situation that brings you to a safe space, where we can find a little imperfect perfect.”

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

With a never-ending appreciation for the community, culture and values that shaped him and his music, Joshua Kahula is living his dream and doing what he loves, filling that cup of aloha and sharing it each step of the way.

Nā Mele: Joshua Kahula & Nuff Sedd

Monday, Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m.

Broadcast and streaming on pbshawaii.org and YouTube

SEE ALSO: Meet Award-Winning Musician Kala‘e Camarillo in This Month’s Nā Mele

Every month, HONOLULU publishes a blog written by the folks at PBS Hawai‘i, the only locally owned, statewide television station in Hawai‘i 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