Brother Noland and Aloha Got Soul are teaming up to celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Coconut Girl”, Hawaii’s first Jamaican crossover hit, with an evening of live music and community gathering at Ka Waiwai in Mō‘ili‘ili on Saturday, September 30th, 2023.
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“Coconut Girl”, which introduced reggae music throughout the Hawaiian Islands upon its debut in 1983, has continued to speak to Hawai‘i’s people with an ever-evolving message that resonates with each generation. Even 40 years later, Brother Noland regards his first big hit as a way to move people. “As the song started to evolve, people started to create a storyline of what Coconut Girl is, or what it means to them,” Noland says. “One thing about music is it creates a moment in time, for everyone.”
The artist recently returned to the studio for a newly recorded version of his hit. In its latest form, “Coconut Girl 2023” holds firm in the 21st century with the help of young talents Pena Bu, Olivia Ruff, Lion Fiyah, and Asaiah Dread, alongside veterans Kata Maduli and Fred Schreuders. Together, this cast of “old school and new school” culminates in a hard-hitting, modern-day all out jam of the songwriter’s most popular tune.
“It’s the merging of the past and the present — into the future,” says Brother Noland of the newly recorded version. The singer tapped local music label Aloha Got Soul to press both 1983 and 2023 versions to a 7-inch vinyl record, featuring artwork by illustrator Punky Aloha. The vinyl record, along with newly designed merchandise, will be available at Ka Waiwai on September 30th. Ka Waiwai, located in Mō‘ili‘ili, supports the community through cultural and education efforts to enact positive change rooted in Hawaiian values.
In a catalog spanning dozens of albums, collaborations and projects that explore every imaginable genre, “Coconut Girl” serves as the spearhead to Brother Noland’s life’s work. With roots deep in Hawaiian culture, the multi-faceted artist has spent a lifetime as an author, philanthropist, survivalist, and educator. “Music is a huge part of my life,” he reflects. “It helps me to sustain the Aloha ‘Āina in myself.”
Brother Noland — Celebrating 40 Years of Coconut Girl
Saturday, September 30th, 2023, 5pm ~ 9pm
Ka Waiwai (1110 University Ave, Honolulu)
Live music by Brother Noland & friends
‘Awa by ‘Awa and ‘Ai (ʻapu ʻawa included)
Burgers & Bentos by Betty’s Burgers
Sherbert by Asato Family
Refreshments by JuneShine
Wai by Aloha Water Co. (please bring your refillable container!)
All ticket proceeds donated to Hawaii People's Fund