Paul Robins: A Star In The Making
Oprah Winfrey gave him a big break. Mariah Carey calls him a ‘star in the making.’ Randy Jackson says he ‘has what it takes.’ And Paul Robins of Makaha is only in the sixth grade
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Music is a family thing for Laurie, Roy Jr. and Paul;
his grandmother wrote Royal Hawaiian Hotel
They wrote, “Oprah, we are a small family from a small town in Hawaii … you might say from the lowest/poorest end of the Island, although it is still a beautiful place. We believe we need to share (our son) with the rest of the world … and that this just might be his ministry.”
Waianae might be a blip on the map, but it is home to major talents such as Bruddah Iz, Makaha Sons, Danny Couch, Moe Keale and now, Paul Robins.
Recording diva Carey, who helped Robins prepare for his appearance on Oprah, fell in love with her young fan’s voice. Carey says, “He has this beautiful tone and it was something that seemed like it was meant to be. His voice is just angelic.”
Gospel music is the genre in which Robins excels. His discovery couldn’t be better timed because gospel is hot right now.
Verity Records artist and repertoire manager Joseph Burney says, “Gospel is being accepted more in the mainstream arena, outside of just churches. It’s on radio, on television in prime time slots, and more visible than ever before.”
He adds, “The world is more aware of gospel music, and the church’s presence within the community and media has been magnified. With that exposure, it’s also becoming more diversified and accepted.”
For aspiring artists like Robins, Burney counsels, “The message of Christ should not be compromised for market share. The path to exaltation is humility.”
Young Robins realizes the responsibility that places on him. The sixth-grade honor roll student, formerly at Leihoku Elementary, is being home-schooled in order to minimize distractions.
Dad Roy Sr. is handling the “distractions,” like talent scouts and agents calling at all times of the day. One agent envisions Robins as an ambassador to children and recommends a move to Los Angeles, a major music market. That will likely take place soon, so Robins can record his first CD.
There are also promotional appearances, like the one Robins did recently on the KSSK Perry and Price Show. Robins got a standing ovation, only the third time that has happened on the radio show, according to Michael W. Perry.
Robins also will appear on an upcoming segment of PAX-TV’s America’s Most Talented Kids, which he taped late last year.
If he’s not singing into a microphone, Robins can be found in the family kitchen cooking and baking. That’s because “As a side job, I would like to be a chef and open a restaurant some day,” the young singer says. “My mom and dad are excellent cooks, and I love to help them.”
Robins prepares breakfast and dinner, serving specialties such as sautéed steak with onions and mushrooms. He also bakes delicious goodies including an original cookie known as Hawaiianstyle chocolate chip.
Paul performs for Oprah’s audience, including Mariah Carey (left)
“I’m writing my own cookbook,” the renaissance kid tells us. “It is called Delights to be Delighted About. It has recipes for some healthy dishes and a few guilty pleasures.”
But music will never be off the burner for this Waianae idol. He is surrounded by reminders of the time and patience it takes to be discovered. On the kitchen counter is a grand champion trophy from OC-16’s Kiddieoke talent contest. Framed letters from government officials acknowledge his performances at community events. Scrapbooks are filled with mementos from singing contests, like the amateur competition at Don Ho’s Island Grill.
All of these platforms are keys to success. It takes one gig at a time, and as Italian balladeer Josh Grohan told Robins backstage at Oprah, “Be yourself. Have faith. Do your best.”
Besides gospel music, Robins is a big fan of R&B artists like Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and the Emotions. He’s followed Mariah Carey music since he was 6, and recalls how he hunted down a rare copy of her Day Dreams cassette recording at Daiei-Pearl City.
So it was fateful and poetic that Robins chose to sing Carey’s hit tune Hero on the Oprah show for his national debut. “I was nervous,” he admits, although the viewers could not detect it, as he walked on stage with his big aloha smile and arms outstretched to greet Oprah. When the music started and he opened his mouth to sing, Paul Robins of Waianae lived his dream to “inspire people with my voice.”
He sang a prophetic message: “Lord knows, dreams are hard to follow. But don’t let anyone tear them away … and you’ll finally see the truth, that a hero lies in you.” Byron Lee photos
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