Press kit
Bios, photos and links for promoters, press and venues. Everything here is free to use when featuring Kekoa The Artist.
- From
- Maui & Oahu, HI
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Sound
- Island reggae · 90’s R&B
- Formerly
- Lead vocalist of CitySide
- Latest release
- “I Don’t Trust You” single (2026)
Bio
Short bio
Kekoa The Artist makes island reggae with 90’s R&B soul. Born on Maui, raised on Oahu and now based in San Diego, the former lead vocalist of Hawaiian reggae group CitySide blends smooth R&B vocals, new school hip hop drums and the calm of island reggae.
Full bio
Born on Maui into a big family with deep musical roots and raised on Oahu, Kekoa Tsukiyama took the mic for his first performance on the eve of his third birthday.
At 18 he started CitySide, a Hawaiian reggae trio whose debut album, Welcome To The CitySide, produced the #1 hit “Come On Pretty Baby” and the crowd favorite “Lady Soul.”
In 2013 he moved to the Pacific Northwest, then on to San Diego, where he cut “People Unite” with producer Lewis Richards and teamed up with Josh Cardinali of Stoney Eye Studios. Performing as Kekoa The Artist, he has played stages from House of Blues and Belly Up to the Waikiki Shell and The Studio at Webster Hall in New York.
His positive energy, warrior mentality and old school values shape every set, whether with a full band or solo with a loop pedal. In 2025 he released two 7″ singles in Japan and the US: “I Chose You” b/w “I Got Too Faded,” and “House Call” b/w “Feel Good,” a red-vinyl Record Day release.
From CitySide to San Diego
On the mic before age three
Maui & Oahu
Born on Maui into a big family with deep musical roots and raised on Oahu, Kekoa gave his first performance on the eve of his third birthday.
CitySide is born
2007
At 18 he started CitySide, a Hawaiian reggae trio that built its name playing venues across the islands.
Welcome To The CitySide
Debut album
The record delivered the #1 hit “Come On Pretty Baby” and the crowd favorite “Lady Soul.”
Play “Come On Pretty Baby”A new chapter on the mainland
2013
He left the islands for the Pacific Northwest, then settled in San Diego, cut “People Unite” with producer Lewis Richards and teamed up with Josh Cardinali of Stoney Eye Studios.
Back on wax, twice
2025
“I Chose You” lands as a 200-copy 7″ in July, followed in December by “House Call,” his red-vinyl take on the Shabba Ranks and Maxi Priest classic, pressed for Japan’s Record Day.
A new single
2026
“I Don’t Trust You” is out September 18, 2026.
Highlights
- #1 in Hawaii
“Come On Pretty Baby”
From CitySide’s debut album, Welcome To The CitySide
- Maui to New York
Coast to coast, and the islands
House of Blues · Waikiki Shell · The Studio at Webster Hall · Belly Up · Humphreys · Bluebird Theater
- 2 vinyl singles
“House Call” & “I Chose You” on 7″
Limited pressings for Japan and the US, including a red-vinyl Record Day release
Press photos
High-resolution JPGs. Click a photo to download it.
Music & video
- I Don’t Trust You on YouTube
- I Got Too Faded on YouTube
- I Chose You on YouTube
