Now breaking into the mainstream with a unique mix of island reggae and country soul, Hawaiian-born rising star Maoli seeks to put his people on the map like they’ve never been before.

The golden-voiced native of upcountry Maui boasts nine independent albums and over half a billion global streams, with a nearly 15-year recording and touring career making him a fixture across the Pacific islands and beyond. Inspired by traditional Hawaiian music – the believe-it-or-not birthplace of steel guitar – plus rock, reggae and the country music of artists like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and George Strait, Maoli’s early island pop and roots-reggae sound helped spread his rangy, sand-and-soul vocal across Polynesia to the American West Coast, and as far east as Texas. It was there in 2018 that the singer-songwriter rediscovered his country roots, turned on to the similarities between his music and modern country – from the swaying melodies and solid rhythms to the tradition of simple-life storytelling.

Rialto Theatre | 318 E Congress | 7pm doors