Moke Boy
Moses Kamealoha III, better known as Moke Boy, was born and raised on Oahu, Hawai'i's Leeward Coast of Wai'anae to parents Moke Jr. and Dorene Nahina. He had the privilege of listening to both sets of grandparents kanikapila while he was growing up. Getting exposure to both gospel songs in the church and hawaiian and country songs elsewhere. His father had a group called "Polynesian Sons" who played frequently at the Nanakuli Inn. Dad also accompanied Moke Boy on many occasions with his style of Ki Ho’alu as well.Radio Emcee, Frank B. Shaner started the 1st Annual Falsetto Competition at Hawaii Festivals in 1995. It was the first of many, judges at the time included Tony Conjugacion, Dennis Pavao, Haunani Apoliona, Kawai Cockett, and more. Moke won with an original composition entitled “Pehea ‘Oe, E Kalapana," a song duly noted and written for the Keli'iho'omalu Ohana in Kaimu on the Big Island.Other well-known songs that are highly requested are “Makanalei,” a song written for his daughter. “Grandpa and God,” a song written for his grandpa, Moke Sr. and we can't forget the catchy tune “Hawaiian Kickboxer,” a song that is currently being used to accompany MMA fighter Jerome-Max “Blessed” Holloway as he makes his way to the octagon to compete.Some of the notable moments that stands out is when Aunty Genoa Keawe called him up on stage to sing "Alika" with her and during a Celebration of Life in Kaimu, Kalapana for Aunty G-Girl Keli'iho'omalu, he was accompanied by the original Hui Ohana.Moke is also the Senior Pastor of Pu'uwai 'O Iesu Outreach and Ministry(or P.O.I. Ministries). P.O.I. started on Black Rocks Beach on March 2014. "We took our trailer, set up a tent, generator, lights and sound system. We also have a tent for our Keiki," says Moke. "After the message, we kaukau, give out clothes, tarps, and blankets." P.O.I. has partner churches/ministries on Moloka'i and Kaua'i. Big Island and Maui is also in the works.Mahalo Ke Akua, Mahalo Iesu, Mahalo Uhane Hemolele...Amene!"Moke Boy will be entertaining at the 2nd Annual Kalaeloa Heritage Park Luau Fundraiser on Saturday, July 23rd and will be looking forward to meeting everyone.Article by Kim Kamealoha