Saltwater People
A new tide is coming in
Saltwater People is a monthly rooftop party that celebrates the global flow of Black cultures with music you won’t hear anywhere else in Honolulu. A mixture of genre-breaking live music, DJ sets, vendors, food, and learning, Saltwater People brings the flavors of African and Pacific diasporas together where our lineages and histories converge here in Hawai‘i.
The Black Pacific poet and scholar Teresia Teaiwa writes, "We sweat and cry salt water, so we know that the ocean is really in our blood.” The name "Saltwater People" comes from an old practice among African diaspora communities in the western Atlantic to describe people born in Africa or on the ocean voyage as "saltwater Negroes" or "saltwater Creoles." Here in Hawai‘i, however, we are all saltwater people. The ocean links us and is a source of our nourishment, sustenance, healing, and joy. A new tide is coming in. Come through.
Tickets available here
June 23 line up
Live music by
Kahnma
Multi-dimensional singer, songwriter, and performer Kahnma was born and raised in Liberia and creates music in her native Bassa and English. Topping the local charts, she is well known in Hawai‘i for energetic and soulful performances playing reggae, soul, hip hop, and West African dance music with many configurations of musicians over the years. Kahnma is returning to the stage with her band and a new sound grounded in African music sure to move you and get you dancing.
Maryanne Ito
Maryanne Ito is a Samoan and Japanese soul singer, songwriter, and performer based in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Blending genres such as neo soul, soul, hip hop, jazz, and R&B, she has been writing and performing since 2006. Maryanne's live performances are pure, honest, and powerful no matter the stage, songs, or audience. In May 2019 Maryanne released a new album, Live at the Atherton, on the Aloha Got Soul label to rave reviews.
DJ set by
Funky Brewster
With Special Guests
Freekazoidz
Seattle-based Freekazoidz are comprised of childhood friends OCnotes (Otis Calvin III) and Thrills (Devlin Gormally) who create dance music drawing on influences that defy time and genre, combining house, funk, disco, soul, techno, acid, hip hop, ambiant, rock and roll. This duo's music is a culmination of sound, love, and time.
Sponsored By
Poster art by Mark Feijão Milligan Art
* Food and beverage available for purchase *
* $5 flat-rate in-building parking *