12x Na Hoku Award Winners Ekolu return with new single, “Don’t Worry Just Dance”
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Hawaiian three-piece Ekolu return with their latest single, “Don’t Worry Just Dance”, a sun-soaked, feel-good track continuing the band’s legacy as one of Island Reggae’s most influential voices.
Since releasing their debut album Down In The Valley in 1999, Ekolu have become synonymous with Hawaiian reggae. The band has been inducted to the Maui Hall of Fame, but they’ve also won 12 Na Hoku Awards, 4 HMAs and Best Male Vocalist. With over 25 years of music-making, 12 full-length albums, and multiple hit singles, the band has cultivated a sound that is both iconic and distinctly their own. Their signature track “Drinking Problem” has amassed more than 16 million streams on Spotify, a testament to their enduring global - and timeless - reach.
Ekolu’s latest offering, “Don’t Worry Just Dance”, maintains the carefree spirit of the band’s sonic energy. For this single, lead singer Lukela Keala was inspired by a western love story; sharing, “most people write based on feelings. In this case, it was inspired by what was seen.” One scene in particular paved the way to the song’s conception, when one character comforted another with the line “don’t worry, just dance.” It was a moment Keala transformed into a vibrant anthem celebrating joy, connection, and music’s ability to bring people together.
Ekolu has been a part of the Island Reggae music scene for 25+ years. They released their debut album back in 1999, titled Down In The Valley, and since then, they have created their own style of music that started a branding of Ekolu Music. Within the 25+ years of being together, Ekolu has released 12 full-length albums and multiple single releases, showcasing the band’s ability to evolve over time. Ekolu have won 12 Na Hoku Hanohano awards (equivalent to the "Hawaii Grammy's") including "Reggae Album of the Year" and "Group of the Year".
Listen to "Don't Worry Just Dance":
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