Mana Poly All-Stars

Artist Information

Biography

*WINNER at 8th Annual Independent Music Awards in Social Action category. See link below*

*Hawaii Music Awards Best Reggae Album of the Year

*Winner for Best Out of County Band at Orange County Music Awards

*Nominated at Na Hoku Hanohano Music Awards (Hawaii's version of the Grammy Awards) for Best Reggae Album

*Nominated for Best R&B Artist at Southern California Music Awards

*Licensing by Warren Miller Entertainment, Ford, Shaka Laka and Puma

Mana Poly All-Stars (MPA) is no stranger to the music industry. With well over 20 years of combined experience, they have had success in both the retail and radio charts, in addition, to posting numerous “Number 1 Hits” on Polynesian radio stations along the west coast, the Polynesian triangle, Guam, Saipan, and the Micro and Melanesian islands. MPA’s fortune is accredited to a sound which they have pioneered together–urban island music.

The Unity Concert, hosted by SolKrush Entertainment on July 5, 2008, was the backdrop for the release of MPA’s sophomore album, “riddim + blues.” The perfect blend of Jamaican riddims and sultry R&B vocals is what sets this album apart from any other.

Mana Poly All-Stars is rapidly gaining mainstream recognition. Winning "Social Action Song of the Year" at 2009 Independent Music and "2008 Reggae Album of the Year" at Hawaii Music Awards, performing at the after party for the Tanner Hall film premiere in September 2008, being selected for the Puma Fragrances “Puma Flowing” campaign in October 2008, licensing by Warren Miller Entertainment for Ford Motor Company and sharing the stage with national reggae artist Morgan Heritage in 2007 are a few examples of this. Other indications of their growing popularity are being nominated for the 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaii’s version of the Grammy Awards), winning the Best Out of County Artist/Group award at the Fifth Annual Orange County Music Awards, being nominated for Best R&B at the First Annual Southern California Music Awards, selected as the Salt Lake City, UT finalist for the 2006 Virgin College Mega Tour and their placement with the Annual Legends of Rasta Reggae Festival Tour: Universal Love 2006 (formerly known as the Annual Bob Marley Festival Tour). Joining that tour set Mana Poly All-Stars in a line up with nationally recognized artists Wayne Wonder, Ky-Mani Marley, Shinehead and more.

“Mana,” meaning power or great spirit, is the driving force behind this skillful sensation. “Poly,” the shortened version of the word Polynesian, is the culture and heritage of which they are a part. In trying to put together the best Polynesian group imaginable, they sought out musicians who were already established in that particular market. The collaboration of these musical innovators and brilliant song writers helped derive the term “All-Stars.” Thus, the caliber of talent this group possesses is what makes them truly unique.

Formed in the summer of 1999, the Mana Poly All-Stars is definitely setting a new world-wide trend in music. The accomplishments of this eight member ensemble are only the beginning of many great things to come. All that is gained and learned will be reinvested in an effort to inspire and provide avenues for other Polynesian artists who also wish to pursue their dreams. Join MPA as they embark on their mission to spread “feel good” positive music in their communities and throughout the world.

Instrumentation

James Rubi-Lead guitar

Kalanianaole Hafoka-Vocal, Keyboards

Luisa Hafoka-Vocal

Na'a Hafoka-Rhythm Guitar, Vocal

Setema V. Gali-Keyboards, Vocal

Siosifa "Ese" Taiese-Drums, Vocal

Taniela "Nela" Otuafi-Keyboards, Vocal

Vaea Tauteoli-Bass

Discography

Track included on Oasis Urban Radio Sampler Volume VIII #3-October 2008
Sophomore album, "riddim + blues," released on July 5, 2008
"I Feel You Calling Me"-Single released in August 2007
Track included on TuneTank's IMC06 Reggae Express Compilation CD-2006
Track included on Oasis CD Music Sampler-2006
Track included on Orange County Music Awards Compilation CD-2006
Track included on Grafton Hotel on Sunset Promo CD-2006
Track included on Southern California Music Awards Compilation CD-2006
Debut album, "S.pacifik Musik," released-2005
Maxi Single-2003
Tracks included on The Closet Productions Island Skills Vol. I Compilation CD-2003

Official Website

http://www.myspace.com/manapolyallstars

Links

• Tribune article-MPA gets their game on
• MPA Wins Big at Independent Music Awards 01/13/09
• MPA at Snowbird on 8/15/08
• Hawaii Grammy Nomination
• Maui Time Weekly Review

Audio

• Guarantee
  Listen  
• One Step Behind
  Listen  
• Give U Love
  Listen  
• Nice It Up
  Listen  
• Gunshots
  Listen  
• The Game
  Listen  
• Everything Is Alright
  Listen  
• I Feel You Calling Me
  Listen  
• Come Thru
  Listen  
• Misconception of a Man
  Listen  
• Say It ft. Parable
  Listen  
• Just For You
  Listen  
• Ready & Willing
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Guarantee
• Come Thru
• Say It ft. Parable
• Everything Is Alright
• Nice It Up

Video

MPA on Park City TV

Photo Gallery

Press

• MANA POLY ALL-STARS GET THEIR GAME ON: Local reggae-fusion band wraps up awards left and right. [+ Show ]
  

  Mana Poly All-Stars are living up to their name. The local eight-piece reggae-fusion band has won tw...Mana Poly All-Stars are living up to their name. The local eight-piece reggae-fusion band has won two high-profile awards within the past two months, adding to its reputation as one of the best-regarded bands -- and the most fun -- in the region.
  
  The group won Best Topical Song for "Gunshots" at the eighth annual Independent Music Awards in January. And despite not being from Hawaii, the band found out in February it won Best Reggae Album in the Hawaii Music Awards.
  
  Awards aren't the goal for the Salt Lake City musicians, who all were raised in California. (Two of the eight still live in California, but travel to Utah for gigs.) "The best thing about music is that when you listen, you feel no pain," said Nela Otuafi, lead singer and keyboard player.
  
  "The people in the band are family first," said James Rubi, guitarist and the only member who does not have Polynesian ancestry. (His family is from the Philippines.) "Playing onstage with them onstage is icing on the cake."
  
  But receiving awards for what members call "urban island music" has become a blessing as the band seeks more notoriety. Its debut album, "S.pacifik Musik," was released in October 2005 and was nominated for Best R&B at the first annual Southern California Music Awards. The band is now touring behind its second album, "Riddim + Blues," which was released in July.
  
  The band has been together for a decade, and group members came from six groups -- hence the name. Members share their minority status and their faith. Six have served missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and most band members eventually congregated to Utah based in part on their faith.
  
  While the ensemble has earned a reputation as a great live, party band, the song "Gunshots" was its first topical song. Otuafi's sister died in a drive-by shooting, as did a relative of another band member; both victims were living in California at the time. "The vibe is positive, but there might be some pain and hurt behind it," Otuafi said.
  
  "The song leaves people with hope," said Jillana AhLoe, band manager. "We are deeply saddened by the recent acts of gang of violence in our community and are desperately trying to make our stand against it."
  
  As for the Hawaii Music Awards, AhLoe will travel to Hawaii in April to pick up the award, as the band has other concerts planned around that time.
  
  After all, awards aren't the goal for this talented band.
  
  

• MPA wins Reggae Album of the Year [+ Show ]
  

  Hawaii Music Awards founder Johnny Kai announced winners in 29 categories shortly after the end of t...Hawaii Music Awards founder Johnny Kai announced winners in 29 categories shortly after the end of the Grammy telecast on Sunday. Mana Poly All-Stars were announced as winners of Reggae Album of the Year.
  
  As in previous years, nominees do not have to be residents of Hawaii, and their nominated work need not have been recorded in Hawaii, released by a Hawaii-based record label or distributed in Hawaii to be eligible.
  
  However, voting participation this year was limited to once per e-mail address rather than once per address per day. Kai reports more than 1.6 million “hits” in worldwide voting between Jan. 15 and the close of voting Saturday.
  
  Winners in eight categories will receive Recognition Awards in lieu of regular awards because they were the only nominees in their categories.
  
  The awards will be presented at a ceremony at April 4 at Mamiya Theatre. Tickets are $30 to $45. Call 951-6699. Also visit www.hawaiimusicawards.com for more information.
  

• Mana Poly All-Stars, Riddim + Blues [4 stars] [+ Show ]
  

  A huge untapped market (at least by most mainstream press outlets) of Polynesian artists resides in ...A huge untapped market (at least by most mainstream press outlets) of Polynesian artists resides in Utah and releases like Mana Poly All-Stars Riddim + Blues aren’t given their full due. Hopefully, that will change sooner than later. Most reggae groups in Utah can’t cut it and have a Trustafarian (trust fund + Rastafarian) attitude and nature. Mana Poly is legit and have the R&B to back up their traditional reggae roots. Lyrics on songs like “Gunshots” enforce this and encourage working with the realities of the little noticed underbelly of Utah’s streets by dealing with issues of small decisions that bleed into huge mistakes of life-and-death ramifications. Tight harmonies abound on this release and put the blues behind the riddim in this excellently produced work. Local vocals usually don’t have the true depth to complement this style of music but Mana Poly blessedly pull it off. This is perfect party music. Put it in and crank it up with the All-Stars.

• MPA Nominated at Hawaii's Grammy Awards [+ Show ]
  

  Up and coming artists, Mana Poly All-Stars, are 1 of 6 nominees for R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR at...Up and coming artists, Mana Poly All-Stars, are 1 of 6 nominees for R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR at the 30th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Winners will be announced at the celebration and awards show on June 20th.
  
  Paste this link in your browser for more information:
  http://starbulletin.com/breaking/breaking.php?id=5838
  

• Tales from the Trail Webisodes [+ Show ]
  

  Apr 1 - 30, 2007 Warren Miller Entertainment is looking for original music for "Tales from the...Apr 1 - 30, 2007
  
  Warren Miller Entertainment is looking for original music for "Tales from the Trail" internet videos (webisodes), which are a high-profile promotional device for a major automobile manufacturer. Last year, WME edited 35 webisodes, all of which can be seen here (under “videos”).
  
  This years videos will feature off road, ski/snowboard, and mountain bike events.
  
  Congratulations to the Sonicbids artists who were selected:
  Mana Poly All-Stars
  Armchair Cynics
  Colin Lake and Wellbottom
  Triad
  Yellow No. 5
  
  

• MANA POLY ALL-STARS LANDS TWO MORE MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS [+ Show ]
  

  January 24, 2007 (OREM, UT) – Mana Poly All-Stars (MPA) has been nominated for New Artist of the Yea...January 24, 2007 (OREM, UT) – Mana Poly All-Stars (MPA) has been nominated for New Artist of the Year and Reggae Artist of the Year at the Tenth Annual Hawaii Music Awards. These recent developments bring the music award nomination count, for their debut album, to four in just a little over a year’s time. MPA is honored to be recognized by such a prestigious organization and are grateful for the continual support of the Polynesian community.
  
  Mana Poly All-Stars released their debut album, entitled “S.pacifik Musik”, under their own record label, Poly All-Star Records. Since then, this skillful sensation won Best Out of County Band at the Fifth Annual Orange County Music Awards, was nominated for Best R&B at the First Annual Southern California Music Awards and has signed with Pacific Hawaiian Music Distribution, one of Hawaii’s major media distributors.
  
  The Hawaii Music Awards are an annual contest held at the beginning of the year that recognizes artists and musicians living in Hawaii, Hawaiian and Polynesian musicians living anywhere in the world and international artists who perform Hawaiian or Polynesian-style music. These artists are eligible to compete if they have released commercially-available music of any style the previous calendar year. Winners are determined by online voting from a public audience around the world. To cast your vote, visit www.hawaiimusicawards.com .
  

• MANA POLY ALL-STARS OBTAIN VICTORY AT FIFTH ANNUAL ORANGE COUNTY MUSIC AWARDS [+ Show ]
  

  April 11, 2006 (PROVO, UT) – Mana Poly All-Stars’ (MPA) walked away with their first music award on ...April 11, 2006 (PROVO, UT) – Mana Poly All-Stars’ (MPA) walked away with their first music award on Saturday, April 8, 2006 at the Fifth Annual Orange County Music Awards (OCMAs) held at The Grove of Anaheim in California. Although they faced tough competition, MPA proved victorious by winning Best Out of County Artist/Group. Their song entitled “Come Thru” is featured on the OCMA 2006 compilation album which will be distributed to the music and film industry. MPA accepts this award and recognition on behalf of all Polynesian artists and musicians who are currently or have been involved in the struggle to put Polynesians on the mainstream map, as only a handful of Polynesian artists have been able to do thus far. As MPA keyboard player Taniela Otuafi stated, “When [Mana Poly All-Stars] win, we all win!”
  
  Earning their first music award was a sweet ending to an awesome weekend for Mana Poly All-Stars. The good vibes started on Thursday as MPA began their journey to northern California’s bay area to participate in Polynesian Underground’s hottest event of the year. Invasion of the Bay 2006 was held on Friday, April 7, 2006 at Avalon-Silicon Valley’s most elegant nightlife destination. About 500 people showed up to witness MPA’s bay area debut, including fans that traveled from as far as Oregon and Utah to attend.
  
  Mana Poly All-Stars thank not only God for their continued success, but also all of their family, friends and fans who continually shower them with love and support. This is only the beginning of many great things to come. Join the Mana Poly Mailing List at www.mpallstars.com for exclusive updates on what to expect from your favorite All-Stars in the near future.
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• MANA POLY ALL-STARS LANDS SECOND MUSIC AWARD NOMINATION [+ Show ]
  

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2006 (PROVO, UT) – Mana Poly All-Stars (MPA) has been nominated f...FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  
  March 13, 2006 (PROVO, UT) – Mana Poly All-Stars (MPA) has been nominated for Best Out of County group/artist at the Fifth Annual Orange County Music Awards (OCMA). This is their second nomination for a music award in less than three months. One track from their debut album, “S.pacifik Musik”, will be featured on a widely-serviced compilation album and distributed to the music and film industry. MPA is honored to be recognized outside of the Polynesian community and realize that this is another step in the right direction for the group.
  
  Mana Poly All-Stars released their debut album, entitled “S.pacifik Musik”, in October 2005 under their own record label, Poly All-Star Records. Since then, this skillful sensation was nominated for Best R&B at the First Annual Southern California Music Awards, selected as the Salt Lake City, UT finalist for the 2006 Virgin College Mega Tour and has signed with the nationally recognized Annual Legends of Rasta Reggae Festival Tour: Universal Love 2006. As you can imagine, MPA is rapidly gaining mainstream recognition. Their next performance will be in Santa Clara, CA on April 7, 2006 at the Avalon, Silicon Valley’s “most elegant nightlife destination.”
  
  Much like the Grammy Awards, the OCMAs are designed to showcase and award talent found in all musical genres. The OCMAs were the first to help promote local musicians and to showcase the mass musical talent found in the community. This event will be held at The Grove of Anaheim on Saturday, April 8, 2006. Visit www.orangecountymusicawards.com for more information.
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• Utah Finalist for 2006 Virgin College Mega Tour [+ Show ]
  

  Virgin Records is hosting their Annual Virgin College Mega Tour (VCMT) 2006 during the month of Apri...Virgin Records is hosting their Annual Virgin College Mega Tour (VCMT) 2006 during the month of April on 18 major college campuses across the nation. Mana Poly All-Stars has been selected as the one and only finalist from Utah to compete for a performing spot on this tour. Being selected as a finalist will allow them to include one of their songs on the VCMT compilation CD to be handed out at every tour stop. This year, Virgin Records anticipates reaching 65,000 students. Whether or not MPA gets the touring spot should be announced by the end of the month.

• MPA Signs With National Reggae Tour [+ Show ]
  

  The Annual Legends of Rasta Reggae Festival Tour (formerly known as the Annual Bob Marley Festival T...The Annual Legends of Rasta Reggae Festival Tour (formerly known as the Annual Bob Marley Festival Tour) has officially added Mana Poly All-Stars to their performer's roster for the Universal Love Tour 2006. This tour will place Mana Poly All-Stars in a line-up with nationally recognized artists Wayne Wonder, Ky-Mani Marley and more.

Setlist

Mana Poly All-Stars' high-energy show is a mix of original reggae/R&B songs and popular covers from artists like Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Alicia Keys, D'Angelo, UB40, Sean Paul, R. Kelly, Steel Pulse and other current radio hits. The show is ideal for keeping a diverse audience entertained. Our rates are negotiable according to venue, occasion and budget.

ORIGINAL SONGS:
Come Thru
Misconception of a Man
Just For You
Say It feat. Parable
2 Cups
S.pacifik Girls
The Bomb Girl (formerly The One)
Our Time
The Game
Everything Is Alright
Down For Me
Through It All
All-Star

POPULAR COVERS by:
*Alicia Keys
*Beenie Man
*Sean Paul
*Wayne Wonder
*Beyonce
*D'Angelo
*Bob Marley
*Beres Hammond
*R. Kelly
*Steel Pulse
*UB40
*Wyclef Jean
*No Doubt

Basic Requirements

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