Mitch Kekoa Kepa
Contemporary soul singer, guitarist, and Hawaiian artist Mitch Kekoa Kepa, mixes R&B traditions with island vibes, offering a laid-back and funky groove that appeals to all generations.
Considered one of the few remaining origi- nal Hawaiian Renaissance artists, Kepa found his musical style through a range of influences including local Hawaiian hit artists Gabby Pahinini and Cecilio & Kapono, Motown greats like Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and Steve Wonder, and the soulful jazz and blues genius of George Benson.
“Music is my first love,” says Kepa. “What it means to me? It comes before everything. It’s food for the soul.”
From a young age, Kepa had a keen ear for music which sprung out of his Hawaiian family beginnings. The second of nine children, Kepa grew up listening to the ukulele and Hawaiian folk songs of his mother, Nani “Barbara” Kepa and extended family which played music during regular family gatherings.
Nani inspired a new generation of musicians who included Kepa’s five brothers—John, Milton, Ama, Alika, and Tony—all of whom grew up playing music together.
Upon leaving home to attend college at the University of Hawaii Manoa, Kepa quickly developed his distinct sound and found himself playing among the likes of Joe Cano, an internationally recognized guitar virtuoso who played with George Benson, and Hawaiian legends Henry Kapono, Jon Cruz, and other iconic R&B and jazz musicians. For twenty-plus years, Kepa has captured the hearts of local Hawaiian culture and the appreciation of crowds across Hawaii. He played with Iao Stream Band for close to a decade, and today performs solo and duo con- temporary arrangements with local music greats including jazz saxophonist Rock Hendricks.