The rock band has addressed social issues....this thematic album is a significan
author: Star-Bulletin
Review
"Suffereignty"
SUGahDADDY
(Daddy Leopard)
The rock band has addressed social issues in its songs before, but this thematic album is a significant step into the political arena. "Suffereignty" follows the examples set by Henry Kapono Kaaihue's 1993 masterpiece "KAPONO" and Peter Apo's 1990 compilation "Hawaiian Nation: A Call for Sovereignty" in demonstrating the power of music as a means of political education.
The title song defines "suffereignty" as being what native Hawaiians experience when they squabble among themselves instead of
working together. The lyrics refer to the familiar story of Hawaiian crabs in a bucket -- when one starts to climb out, another pulls it back down. While SUGahDADDY doesn't endorse any particular politician for leadership, it does note that native Hawaiians began to lose power when they didn't work as one.
There are some powerful statements on this album. The opening "Pali Uli" tells the story of a people "lost at sea" with their homeland overrun by strangers. "Anahola" attacks the shameful pattern of mismanagement within the Hawaiian Homes Administration throughout most of the past century.
"Office of Hawaiian Despair" and "Corner of Kuhio" reinforce the message that things haven't gotten much better for native Hawaiians as a group over the years.
SUGahDADDY has defined itself from the beginning as a "hawaiianrockband." After exploring a blues/rock sound on previous albums, the quintet has moved to a more progressive folk-rock style that works well.
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A personal journey, with songs that share real-life meaning...
author: Honolulu Advertiser
"SUFFEREIGNTY" BY SUGAH DADDY; DADDY LEOPARD RECORDS
Genre: World music.
Distinguishing notes: SUGah DADDY offers an eclectic roster of original music, mostly from the pen of member Mat Kalani Souza, with chum Darrell Aquino contributing a title or two. The group, which also features Michael Cueva, Jason Nobriga and Chris Luke, mixes folk styles with Hawaiiana, pop with blues, in projecting tales of the 'aina, the culture, the political climate, the everyday lessons of life. "Pali Uli" sets the tone of wonder and timelessness, linking past with present; "Corner of Kuhio" typifies the group's ability to take something mundane and give it meaning; "Wai'opuka" blends lore with hope; "Office of Hawaiian Despair" is a somewhat sardonic view of divisive decision-making. Quite a heavy load to peruse and ponder.
The outlook: A personal journey, with songs that share real-life meaning once you get beneath the surface.
Our take: Just a spoonful of SUGah will get you humming, if not thinking.
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