Ka'ikena Scanlan

Ka'ikena Scanlan is a talented Native-Hawaiian and Samoan musician from Oʻahu, known for his work in the genre often referred to as "Hawaiian Reggae" or Jawaiian music. He is the lead singer of his band, Ka'ikena Scanlan and These Guys, and has gained recognition for songs like "He Kanaka," "Smoke All Day," and "Utu Bang Bang." Scanlan is not only a musician but also a teacher at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, where he instructs in Hawaiian language and ethnobotany. His music often reflects his deep connection to Hawaiian culture and his desire to preserve and promote it through his art.

Scanlan's music career has been marked by a blend of cultural awareness and catchy reggae rhythms. His song "He Kanaka" addresses themes of cultural identity and the influence of Jamaican culture on Hawaiian music. Meanwhile, "Smoke All Day" cleverly subverts expectations by focusing on traditional food preservation rather than drug use. As a father of two and a farmer at Kaunamano Farm, Scanlan balances his life between music, teaching, and sustainable farming practices. His recent releases include "Haka Kau Moa," "Roots and Culture," and "ʻAʻaliʻi," showcasing his continued growth as an artist and cultural advocate.