On Oct. 26, island-reggae band Kolohe Kai returned to Guam for part two of the Håfaloha concert series, marking their first performance on the island in over eight years.
But this time, the band brought a special guest: Peter Cruz, a CHamoru native and Kolohe Kai’s lead guitarist.
Kolohe Kai has been one of the most popular Pacific Island reggae music artists for over a decade. Their success is underscored by high streaming numbers, reaching 40 million streams in 2020 alone. The band has earned multiple accolades, including the Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Reggae Album of the Year in 2013, and another Reggae Album of the Year award in 2019 at the Island Music Awards.The band infuses the localism of ukulele music with the rhythm and roots of reggae, and more recently, pop and R&B.
Known by his stage name, Håle’, Peter Cruz joined the band in 2022. He shared his excitement and sense of responsibility on the significance of representing Guåhan on the big stage.
“I want to uplift Guam and people who aspire to be a musician, I can show them that it’s possible,” said Cruz. “Just because you live on a tiny island doesn’t mean you are limited in any way, especially in music. It’s for the next generation and how I can help them as a stepping stone to take that next leap.”
HåfaAloha organizers describe Kolohe Kai as, “one of Guam’s favorite island-reggae bands,” and the audience seemed to agree. Fans were loud as they sang every word and danced to every beat. Local bands Taj and Da Udda Band (DUB) set the stage as opening acts.
Kolohe Kai and Håle’’s music are available on all streaming platforms and social media.
