Hawaiian-born breakout artist Maoli brings his genre-blending island reggae and country soul to On the Banks, showcasing the sound that’s rapidly propelling him into the global mainstream. With nine independent albums and more than half a billion streams, the golden-voiced native of upcountry Maui has spent nearly 15 years shaping a signature style rooted in cultural pride and musical innovation.
Drawing on traditional Hawaiian music – the birthplace of the steel guitar – alongside influences from rock, reggae and the classic country storytelling of Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and George Strait, Maoli’s early island-pop and roots-reggae anthems carried his warm, sand-and-soul vocals across Polynesia, the American West Coast and as far east as Texas. It was there he reconnected with his country foundations, discovering a natural kinship between his island sound and modern country’s melodies, rhythms and narrative heart.
His distinctive Hawaiian-country fusion has since fuelled a wave of acclaimed releases and viral covers, including Brett Young’s “Mercy” and “In Case You Didn’t Know”.
Fresh from a string of sold-out Australian shows in early 2025 and now collaborating with hitmakers Dann and David Huff, Maoli returns to Brisbane with songs from Last Sip of Summer (Island Vibe Edition) – a vivid blend of identity, evolution and island soul.
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On the Banks is an outdoor concert series presented in collaboration between QPAC and South Bank Corporation. Hosted at the Cultural Forecourt, South Bank, against the stunning riverside backdrop of the Brisbane City skyline, this celebration of live music captures the essence of a Queensland summer – warm evenings, world-class performances, and an inviting community atmosphere. As the sun sets, On the Banks transforms the riverside into a hub of sound, connection, and creativity.