Page 5 - Hawaii Island MidWeek - June 30, 2021

Fuga Feeling Right As Rain These Days
JUNE 30, 2021
HAWAI‘I ISLAND MIDWEEK 5
FROM PAGE 4
uga first turned up the
ences by demanding they pay attention to her in 2003, when she unsuccessfully auditioned for American Idol. Eight years earlier as a junior in high school, she entered Brown Bags to Stardom and sang Dionne Warwick’s Walk On By, yet failed to even place.
states the confident perform- er, whose voice is often com- pared to Sade and Lauryn Hill. “Singing is a big part of it, but my real purpose on Earth is to heal people through my music.
“There’s no clear path to the top when you’ re pursu- ing a musical career,” opines Fuga, who’s performed at notable events and venues around the globe — includ- ing the Alma Surf Festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Mad- ison Square Garden — and even at the White House. “Ev- erybody’s top looks a little bit different. Like my top is not Beyoncé’s top — my top is something else.
“Words are so valuable. Words are power.”
heat on national audi-
And it’s her words that will be reverberating in listeners’ ears in the coming days — all of which makes her a bit anxious.
Despite the outcome of these and other talent compe- titions, Fuga remained unde- terred about her life’s mission. As raw as she may have been as a vocalist and live perform- er back then, she was always crystal clear when it came to envisioning her destiny.
“I’ve always known I was meant for something great,” continues Fuga. “But I’ve also known that to get there, there are steps to it. You gotta learn to sing. You gotta become con- fident on the stage, and you have to align yourself with like-minded musicians who are able to elevate with you.”
“For me, I’m not just think- ing about how can I sell re- cords, how can I sell albums, how many charts can I top? I’m thinking of who is this mu- sic going to affect, will it affect a community for a long time, and how can I inspire people?” Fuga continues.
“I’m excited. I’m already planning some shows through- out the islands,” says Fuga, who will be performing both new and old material at Blue Note Hawai‘i in Honolulu July 30 and 31, with shows sched- uled for 6:30 and 9 each night, “and I’ll eventually make my way over to the mainland in the fall.
“I know I have a gift. I know it’s rare. I know I have a big- ger purpose on Earth and it’s not just to sing for people,”
Which is precisely what she’s done with Rain on Sunday — surround herself with a bevy of talented individuals like John- son and Love who are guiding her toward an eventual goal that cannot always be measured by traditional music standards.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how people react to my music. I’ve had these songs for so long, so I can’t wait to see it out in the open — see what songs will resonate with the people.”
Fuga has long believed she was meant for something great. Now with the release of her latest album, she appears to have moved just a little bit closer to that goal.
Physical Exams
Strict COVID safety procedures in place. COVID Testing Available
Walk-In Exams
• Sports • School • Pre-Employment
Call Ahead to Schedule • PUC • FAA
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
M-F 8:30 – 6:30 | Sat-Sun 8:30 -4:30 | Hilo 969-3051 | Keaau 966-7942 Immediate non-emergency care for illnesses, minor wounds, or injuries from work, sports, home and auto. Physical Exams. X-Rays. Most Insurances accepted, including Kaiser.