testafiyah

It has been nearly a decade, since singers/song writers/musicians, Bruce “Poncho” Ho‘opai, Shane “HHB” Kahalehau, and Vernon “Kuma” Kapua‘ala, have performed together on stage. Once forming the crucial core of the hard hitting reggae band (“Sly Dog”), they are now joined by former “Pound 4 Pound” singer, Allin Dudoit, and heavy basist, Makapu Ho‘opi‘i, of the Na Hōkū Hanohano award winning band, “Ekolu”. Although it was their passion for reggae music that introduced the men in the late 90’s, that passion has now been surpassed and is divinely driven—by their deep rooted love for God and their fellow man. Thus the rebirth of these young artists, and the Genesis of Hawaii’s Hottest New Band—Testafiyah.
Unprecedented in the entire state, Testafiyah blends a European influenced reggae and replaces the genres’ typical lyrical content—Rastafarianism, political/economic oppression and love—with inspirational words of hope, comfort and light. In a day and age, where global politics weighs tremendously on the very core of every society—the family unit—Testafiyah keeps it “local” and delivers it home, as they draw upon their personal and musical experiences to touch lives—especially those who they may have influenced in the past—with a brand new message that is wholesome and breathes life, worthy of passing down to the next generation and beyond.
Track List & Credits
1. Send The Players (B. Ho‘opai, V. Kapua‘ala)
2. This Is The Day (B. Ho‘opai, S. Kahalehau, V. Kapua‘ala)
3. Whisper (B. Ho‘opai, V. Kapua‘ala)
4. Draw Nigh (A. Dudoit, B. Ho‘opai, S. Kahalehau, V. Kapua‘ala)
5. What Are You Waiting For (B. Ho‘opai, S. Kahalehau, V. Kapua‘ala)
6. Operator (W. Spivery, K. Shaw, B. Ho‘opai, S. Kahalehau, V. Kapua‘ala)
7. Why (You Ain’t Got Time For Me) (B. Ho‘opai, V. Kapua‘ala)
8. Come To Me (B. Ho‘opai, S. Kahalehau, V. Kapua‘ala)
9. I Promise (D. Warren, V. Kapua‘ala)
10. Here I Am Lord (A. Dudoit, B. Ho‘opai, V. Kapua‘ala)
All tracks produced and mixed by Vernon Kapua‘ala at Coconut Rhythm Studios and mastered by Robbeatz at E&R Studios, except Tracks 3, 7 and 9, mixed by Vernon Kapua‘ala and Robbeatz at E&R Studios. Published by Crossstick Music (ASCAP). Photography by John Henry at the John Henry Photography Studio. Graphic Art by Mary Chang Designs and Mikalei Designz. All songs performed by Testafiyah: Allin Dudoit , Bruce “Poncho” Ho‘opai, Makapu Ho‘opi‘i , Shane “HHB” Kahalehau and Vernon “Kuma” Kapua‘ala.