Hawaiian artists bringing sounds

Rebel SoulJahz (pictured) and Anuhea will be playing Napier. Photo / Supplied

Hawke's Bay music lovers are in for a treat when two Hawaiian acts hit the Bay later this year.

Rebel SoulJahz and Anuhea will be playing as part of the Mayjah Rayjah event in Napier on October 4. This will be Anuhea's second visit to New Zealand but her first trip as a musician.

Her unique fusion of soul, pop, rap and reggae have made her one of Hawaii's most successful female artists.

The self-taught singer, song-writer said she is "very excited" about travelling to New Zealand and visiting Hawke's Bay. "I am looking forward to meeting new fans and embracing the New Zealand culture."

Anuhea will be travelling with her 9-month-old son on her tour of New Zealand and Australia. "It will be harder touring with him but he's amazing. How could I leave him at home?" she said.

Rebel SoulJahz and Anuhea have toured together in the past but this will be the first time the two acts will feature together in New Zealand.

Lead singer of Rebel SoulJahz Michael Maglinti said Anuhea is like the group's "sister".

"I hope the New Zealand crowd vibes with her as much as they do with us."

The well-travelled reggae group had visited Hawke's Bay before but are looking forward to returning this year. "We have a bit of down time so we get to see some of our fans that we've had for a long time."

Both acts are "big fans" of New Zealand music. Maglinti said "anything that comes out of New Zealand right now is great."

He is currently enjoying Sons of Zion and Pieter T but said it is important to respect the "original old school guys" such as Katchafire and House of Shem. The likes of Brooke Fraser, Aradhana and Che Fu are on Anuhea's list of favourite New Zealand music. For more information visit tmrmusicfestival.com.