Two of the nine competing composers inspired by the theme “Year of Our Kupuna” were first-place winners at the Kaua‘i Mokihana Festival Composer’s Contest and Concert at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center Monday. Shilo Pa’s song “Be Like
Two of the nine competing composers inspired by the theme “Year of Our Kupuna” were first-place winners at the Kaua‘i Mokihana Festival Composer’s Contest and Concert at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center Monday.
Shilo Pa’s song “Be Like You,” dedicated to his father, Sam Pa, performed with talent and emotion won him first place in the professional category and scored the highest points from judges. Pa won the performers award, na poe award and the award for best commercial potential.
Composer Blu Dux won first in contemporary Hawaiian category for “Kalaheo Shuffle,” a playful song acknowledging the senior residents at Hale Kupuna in Kalaheo.
Winning first place in the open category was Sophia Ross who also won a special award for lyrical content for “Divine Romance.”
Essie Medeiros won first place for her composition “E Eo Mai” in the Hawaiian category. The Hawaiian language award went to Madeleine Brandi for her song “Kahi Ke Aloha.”
Kaua‘i Mokihana Festival is dedicated to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture and continues this weekend. There will be two more nights of hula competition, tonight and tomorrow at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall.
For a complete list of events and contest results visit mokihana.kauai.net
