In 1979 Charles Ka`upu earned his “`uniki” or rite of passage through a Hawaiian process called “`ai-lolo” and has taught and performed chant and dance ever since… 25 years later, Executive Producer, john iervolino (Pure Hawaiian, Island Roots), partners with Master Chanter Charles Ka`upu to present Ke Aka Reflections: Past, Present, Future.

Produced by Grammy Award Winning Producer, Derrick Perkins (“For Your Love” Stevie Wonder), Ke Aka is a collection of Spoken Word, Chant, Contemporary Hawaiian Music, and more. The album opens with a powerful traditional chant, “Mo`olelo”, the mythological story of Hawai`i’s creation, then immediately features Platinum selling Native-American Indian flutist, R. Carlos Nakai, on “mele A Paku`i”.

HAPA, featuring Barry Flanagan & Nathan Aweau, collaborate with Charles on “Waika”, a passionate and heartfelt traditional Hawaiian song. Noteworthy: this is the debut recording of the ‘new’ HAPA.

Grammy Nominated Producer, Reggie Griffin, (“I Feel For You” Chaka Kahn) mixes R & B, Chant and Hawaiian elements to create a smooth world blend on “Kona Winds”.
Last but certainly not least, Derrick Perkins and Charles Ka`upu, take Chant to the next level, with the dance track “Higher”.

All this and more... wrapped in a lush, full color, six panel Digi-Pak. Complete with a 16 page booklet containing Hawaiian lyrics, English translation and Orthography by Puakea Nogelmeier!