He spent six years in theatre and dance companies, performing everywhere from Lincoln Center to Washington D.C. While attending the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, John ventured in to acting and dancing, which strengthened his command of the stage. During his 12 years in the Northeast, John cut his musical teeth in subways, coffeehouses and bars in New York’s Greenwich Village, as well as in the clubs and local haunts from Martha’s Vineyard to the Boston area. His brothers and sisters were all musically inclined and, along with numerous aunties, uncles, cousins, neighbors and friends, they have surrounded John with the gift of music for his entire life.Īlthough John grew up in Hawaii, it wasn’t until he moved to the East Coast in 1983 that he developed his own style as a singer songwriter. His dad played country music and taught John to perform live shows at a very young age. His mom loved the Motown sound and had an extensive record collection. His Hawaiian grandmother had a beautiful voice and sang in church. Whether inside or outside the home, his earliest memories were filled with song. An amazingly singular voice, both soaring yet nurturing, carefully wrapped with the instruments and sounds of her homeland, standing tall on the the pride of her people…it is time to find out-this is Paula Fuga.įrom the time he was a young boy growing up in Palolo Valley on Oahu, John Cruz knew he was destined to play music. Who is this Paula Fuga, they wondered? Producing and releasing her own album, a collection of songs that run deep with intensity and emotion-yet widely appealing and accessible-Paula set a new benchmark in independent music production, an album with masterful production and genuine cultural connection that have caused people to sit up and take notice.
Paula’s debut album “Lilikoi” was met with true astonishment by many in the music business. Not content to be merely a widely respected artist, Paula has taken on the mantle of cultural ambassador-using her talent as an instrument to help bring about positive social change within her islands and beyond: performing at benefit concerts for charter schools, instilling the Hawaiian culture in the generations to come and, generally, being a beacon of the meditative and healing powers of her people.
Though many play music for the platitudes or acclaim, Paula plays music for a culture, spreading the thoughtful and evocative voice of the Hawaiian people across the world.