Seasons of Love
Friday - November 30, 2007
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Del.icio.usThe 411
Seasons of Love
In the wake of two huge award wins for his debut album, 5:54, at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and the Hawaii Music Awards, Afatia is releasing his first Christmas project, Seasons of Love.
“I’m really happy with the way it turned out,“says Afatia.“It’s Christmas classics with a little spin.”
In comparison to his first album, which showcased a more heavy hip-hop and R&B sound, for this album Afatia slowed it down a bit, to place the emphasis on his voice rather than the music.
The result is a mellow, much simpler sound with an a cappella, barbershop, oldies feel to it, which Afatia says will appeal to listeners of all ages.
“I love Christmas, so I picked all the stuff that I really like that’s themed around love,“says the Punahou grad and former UH Warriors football standout.“It has a mainstream sound and appeal, and I incorporated cultural stuff.And it’s something you can listen to with your significant other.”
The album has 11 tracks including: Sweet little Jesus Boy, Cradle in Bethlehem, Seasons of Love, Baby It’s Cold Outside,This Christmas Day, I Love You, The Last Time, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?, I’ll Be Home For Christmas and Peace.
As the son of entertainment moguls Jack Tihati and Cha Thompson of Tihati Productions, Afatia is extremely familiar with the ins and outs of the music business. He has joined the family business as its production island manager, which offers him the flexibility needed for his musical career and growing family. Afatia and his wife, Nicole, have three children: 4-year-old son Matagi, 3-year-old daughter Bella and 1-year-old son Afatia Jr.
Balancing family life, his day job and music is more of an enjoyment than a challenge for Afatia - they are elements that make up the life that Afatia loves waking up to and is completely passionate about.
This weekend, Afatia will be mixing family with music, as he is the featured performer at a fashion show featuring a new line debuting at Soleil, his cousin Summer Valmaona’s boutique. The fashion show is happening Sunday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. at O Lounge. For more information, visit www.soleil808.com
To find out more about Afatia’s upcoming gigs or to get info about his Christmas album, visit www.myspace.com/afatia554
Q’nA
What song can always puts you in a good mood?
Pretty much anything from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross or John Legend. And I really dig D’Angelo and Musiq Soulchild too. As far as locally, Robert Cazimero.
He is, if not the best, at least one of the best vocalists to ever come out of Hawaii.
What/who is the inspiration for your music?
I try to get inspiration from all different people, places and situations. And from all kinds of genres of music, to the Bible and even poetry, so that both lyrically and musically my work can be related to by a larger listening audience. But the main source of my inspiration really comes from my family. They make my world go round.
What do you think makes your music unique?
I think the whole fusion between a real R&B/soul sound while incorporating things that represent Polynesia and who I am as a contemporary urban Polynesian in today’s society is pretty cool.
What is your fondest musical memory?
Probably it would have to be when I sang for the king of Samoa, his highness Malietoa Tanumafili II.
Where is your favorite place to perform locally?
I love to perform at the Hawaii Theatre. So much history and the sound and acoustics are amazing.
What is the best compliment that anyone has given you?
That I’m a good dad.
Is there any philosophy or quote that you live by?
Put God first in your life and everything else will fall into place.
What is your favorite karaoke song to sing?
Lately by Stevie Wonder.
When did you realize that you had musical talent?
I’m not sure. I just know that I always liked music and loved to sing. My mom often says that I was always singing as a kid - always.
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