Listen to the track HERE
GRAMMY-nominated Hawaiian singer-songwriter Josh Tatofi is taking the sounds of the Pacific to new heights with the release of his highly anticipated album Paniolo Country, blending his signature soulful vocals with country music and the rich cowboy heritage of Hawaiʻi.
Released through Rock Wall and EMPIRE, the new album marks another milestone for the internationally recognised musician, whose distinctive sound has attracted audiences across the Pacific, including a strong following in Aotearoa.
The release follows a landmark year for Tatofi, including his debut at Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry, where he became just the fourth Polynesian artist to perform on the iconic stage.
Hawaiian Cowboy Heritage Meets Country Music
At the heart of Paniolo Country is a celebration of Hawaiʻi’s paniolo tradition, the distinctive cowboy culture that developed in the islands during the nineteenth century.
The album brings together country storytelling and Tatofi’s unmistakable Hawaiian musical identity, reflecting the connections between family, whenua, heritage and music.
For Tatofi, the project represents an opportunity to explore a different musical direction while remaining connected to the cultural traditions that have shaped his career.
His approach also highlights the long relationship between Pacific music and country sounds, particularly in communities where storytelling, acoustic instruments and songs about family and home remain central to musical expression.
A Major Following in Aotearoa
Tatofi has developed a particularly strong connection with New Zealand audiences.
His music has achieved eight Gold and two Platinum single certifications in Aotearoa, reflecting his popularity among Pacific communities and the wider New Zealand music audience.
His success demonstrates the growing international reach of Pacific artists who are bringing their cultural identities and musical traditions into mainstream genres.
From Hawaiian ballads to contemporary soul and now country music, Tatofi has continued to expand his sound while maintaining the vocal style that has become his trademark.
For Māori and Pacific listeners, his journey also reflects the importance of cultural identity in an increasingly global music industry.
New Single You Leads Album Release
The album’s focus track, You, has been released alongside a new visualiser, offering listeners a taste of Tatofi’s latest musical direction.
The track places his powerful vocals at the centre of the song, continuing his emphasis on emotion and storytelling.
The visualiser is available on YouTube, providing fans with another opportunity to experience the new material.
Watch You here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa3nIqpx6jk
From the Pacific to the Grand Ole Opry
Tatofi’s Grand Ole Opry debut represents a significant moment in his international career.
The Nashville institution has hosted generations of country music performers and remains one of the genre’s most recognisable stages.
His appearance as a Polynesian artist reflects the increasing visibility of Pacific musicians in international music markets.
It also represents an opportunity to introduce audiences unfamiliar with Hawaiian music to the distinctive cultural influences that shape Tatofi’s work.
The milestone comes alongside a global touring schedule and growing recognition for his recordings.
Celebrating the Release in Hawaiʻi
Tatofi will celebrate the release of Paniolo Country with a special album event at Blue Note Hawaiʻi on October 16.
The performance will feature special guest Keilana and provide an opportunity to showcase the new music in front of a home audience.
The event brings the journey full circle, from Hawaiʻi’s musical traditions to Nashville’s country music stage and back to the Pacific.
Pacific Music Making Its Mark on the World
Tatofi’s latest project arrives at a time when Pacific artists are increasingly reaching international audiences without leaving their cultural identities behind.
His career demonstrates how traditional influences can sit alongside contemporary musical genres, creating new opportunities for artists to connect with listeners around the world.
For audiences in Aotearoa, where Hawaiian music has long enjoyed a loyal following, Paniolo Country offers another chapter in the career of one of the Pacific’s most recognisable voices.
With a new album, an international touring career and a historic Nashville appearance behind him, Josh Tatofi continues to carry the sounds and stories of Hawaiʻi onto the world stage.
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