Common Kings is a reggae fusion band formed in Orange County, California, comprising members of Polynesian heritage who blend reggae, rock, pop, R&B, and soul elements into a distinctive sound.[1] The group consists of lead vocalist Sasualei “Jr. King” Maliga (Hawaiian-Samoan), guitarist Taumata “Mata” Grey (Samoan), bassist Ivan “Uncle Lui” Kirimaua (Fijian-Kiribati), and drummer Jerome “Big Rome” Taito (Tongan), all of whom grew up in Southern California after roots in the Pacific Islands.[1][2]Emerging from jam sessions in the early 2010s, Common Kings gained prominence with their self-recorded early releases, including EPs that charted in the Top 10 of Billboard's Reggae Albums chart. Their 2014 debut albumLost in Paradise reached number one on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and topped iTunes Reggae charts, marking a breakthrough in blending island reggae roots with contemporary pop sensibilities.[3][4] The band has since released follow-up works like the 2023 albumCelebration, earned a Grammy nomination for Best ReggaeAlbum, and collaborated with artists including Meghan Trainor on tracks such as "Before You Go."[5][6] With a robust touring schedule across festivals and a dedicated fanbase, Common Kings represent a modern evolution of Polynesian-influenced music in the Americanreggae scene.[7]
History
Formation and early development (2011–2012)
The Common Kings formed in 2011 in Orange County, California, comprising four Pacific Islander musicians who first connected as youths in the area's Polynesian community during informal gatherings like backyard barbecues.[1] The founding members included lead vocalist Sasualei “Jr. King” Maliga, Samoan-born and Hawaiian-raised; guitarist Taumata “Mata” Grey, Hawaii-raised with Samoan roots; Fiji-born bassist Ivan “Uncle Lui” Kirimaua; and Los Angeles-born drummer Jerome “Big Rome” Taito, of Tongan descent.[1] These long-time acquaintances, who later attended Orange Coast College together, united through their shared heritage as first-generation Americans (with one exception) and mutual affinity for music, fostering an immediate familial bond without reliance on external networks or hype.[1]During 2011 and 2012, the band prioritized internal cohesion, leveraging their upbringings in households rich with musical influences from island traditions and diverse genres to experiment collaboratively.[8] They engaged in jam sessions and self-directed songwriting, emphasizing reggae fusion with feel-good rhythms that echoed their cultural backgrounds, while avoiding formal structures or commercial pursuits initially.[2] This grassroots phase solidified their dynamic as a tight-knit unit, rooted in personal responsibility and organic creativity rather than contrived origins.[1]
Initial EPs and breakthrough touring (2013–2014)
In 2013, Common Kings released their debut EPs independently through their Island Empire label: the #Weontour Soundtrack EP on July 20 and Summer Anthems on August 13. Both projects achieved commercial breakthrough by entering the Top 10 on Billboard's Reggae Albums chart, with Summer Anthems peaking at number four.[9] These releases amassed over 350,000 downloads collectively, demonstrating early grassroots appeal without major label distribution.[10]The band capitalized on this momentum with intensive touring focused on California and Pacific locales, performing high-energy sets that emphasized live musicianship and audience interaction to cultivate a loyal following.[11] Sold-out shows in key markets such as Hawaii, Los Angeles, Guam, and Australia during this period solidified their regional presence and word-of-mouth growth.[11] Drawing from their Orange County roots and Pacific Islander heritage, the performances highlighted a self-produced, community-oriented ethos that resonated with fans seeking authentic reggae fusion experiences.[12]Promotion remained DIY-driven, relying on direct fan engagement, social media, and regional networks rather than traditional industry intermediaries, which allowed the band to retain creative control while expanding their reach organically.[12] This independent strategy proved effective, as the EPs' chart performance and tour turnout reflected sustained listener investment without external hype.[10] By late 2014, these efforts had transitioned Common Kings from local act to emerging national contender in the reggae scene.
Hits & Mrs. and mainstream recognition (2015)
The Hits & Mrs. EP, released on October 9, 2015, marked a production milestone for Common Kings, featuring six tracks that fused reggae rhythms with pop hooks and R&B-infused vocals, including collaborations like "Before You Go" with Meghan Trainor.[13][6] Tracks such as "Since I Woke Up," "I Want It All," and "Ain't No Stopping" emphasized upbeat, melodic structures designed for broader appeal, diverging from purer reggae forms while retaining island-inflected grooves rooted in the band's Polynesian heritage.[14][15]The EP achieved notable commercial traction, spending 20 weeks on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and peaking at number 2, alongside increased radio airplay that earned it the Radio Airplay Award at the 2016 Vodafone Pacific Music Awards.[16][17] Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music hosted the release, contributing to gains in digital listens for singles like "Before You Go," which garnered media premieres and positioned the band for expanded audiences beyond traditional reggae listeners.[18]In 2015, Common Kings secured their first appearances at major festivals, debuting at the California Roots Music and Arts Festival on May 24 in Monterey, California, where they performed to crowds exceeding 15,000 and were hailed as an instant favorite for their high-energy sets blending reggae-rock with soulful positivity.[19][20] They also played the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in June, enhancing visibility through live showcases that highlighted their genre-mixing sound.[21] Media outlets like Billboard and HuffPost provided coverage, noting the band's R&B-reggae hybrid as a fresh, feel-good alternative amid rising popularity.[6][22]Amid this growth, Common Kings maintained fidelity to their core ethos of Polynesian-inspired positivity and personal empowerment themes, resisting dilution of their authentic island-rooted sound despite pressures from mainstream crossover demands, as evidenced in EP production choices that prioritized harmonious, uplifting lyrics over edgier tropes.[15][6]
Lost in Paradise era (2016–2017)
The release of Lost in Paradise on February 3, 2017, marked Common Kings' transition to a full-length studio album following their earlier EPs, with the project recorded at Island Empire Studios and emphasizing refined reggae-pop arrangements.[23] The album featured collaborations with producers including Poo Bear and co-producers Sasha Sirota and The Audibles, resulting in a 38-minute collection that built on the band's prior output by integrating more consistent motifs of escapism and relational dynamics across its 12 tracks.[24] Issued via their independent label Island Empire Records, the effort represented an artistic step toward greater production sophistication, drawing from the group's accumulated experience in shorter-form releases.[25]Touring activity intensified during this period, with the band headlining the Lost in Paradise Tour alongside ¡MAYDAY! in 2017, alongside appearances at festivals and venues that extended their presence beyond prior U.S.-focused outings.[26] International expansion included headlining New Zealand's One Love Festival in early 2016, followed by the Broken Crowns Tour later that year, which encompassed dates in multiple U.S. cities and demonstrated growing audience engagement through self-booked headline slots.[27][28] This escalation reflected organic momentum from fan-driven demand, as the group maintained control over their itinerary via independent promotion while aligning with complementary acts to broaden exposure.Throughout the shift to album status, Common Kings preserved their core cohesion, rooted in long-standing personal bonds formed among members with shared Polynesian heritage in Orange County, California, where they described themselves as a familial unit beyond mere collaborators.[29] Family influences and cultural values, including faith, informed their operational stability amid increased travel and recording demands, enabling sustained collaboration without reported internal disruptions.[30] This internal unity facilitated the era's output, as the band leveraged mutual trust to navigate the logistical challenges of debut full-length production and expanded live commitments.
One Day EP and mid-career releases (2018–2022)
The Common Kings issued their fourth EP, One Day, on August 10, 2018, via Mensch House Records, comprising seven tracks that extended their reggae-pop sound with features such as "Lock Me Up" alongside Stephen Marley and "Today's a New Day" with ¡Mayday!.[31][32] Several selections, including "Champion" and "Broken Love," had appeared as prior singles, underscoring a strategy of compiling recent material to sustain release cadence without a full studio album.[33] The EP aligned with streaming's ascendancy, as its title track and collaborations facilitated digital distribution and playlist integration on services like Spotify, where the band maintained visibility in reggae and island music categories.[34]Following One Day, the group released standalone singles to bridge toward fuller projects, including "There I Go" on March 20, 2020, which fused upbeat reggae rhythms with pop hooks to address themes of perseverance. In September 2019, they contributed to the remix of "World on Fire" with artists like Slightly Stoopid and Tribal Seeds, amplifying cross-genre exposure in the reggae rock sphere.[35] These outputs reflected adaptation to platform algorithms, with tracks securing algorithmic and editorial placements on Spotify lists such as Island Reggae Mix, driving incremental streams amid broader industry shifts toward on-demand consumption.[36]In November 2021, the band dropped Live at Humphrey's, a concert recording capturing performances from their San Diego residency, emphasizing raw energy and fan interaction over new studio material.[37] This live effort, streamed via platforms including YouTube, reinforced mid-career momentum by leveraging touring rapport—evident in consistent setlists and audience engagement—while the core quintet of vocalist JR King, guitarist Taumata Puru, bassist Ivan Kirimaua, drummer Luqman Frank, and keyboardist Hope Vista remained intact, avoiding disruptions seen in peer acts.[38][39] Overall, the period marked consolidation, with sporadic digital singles and live documentation prioritizing steady output over rapid innovation, yielding sustained plays in niche streaming ecosystems without blockbuster metrics surpassing prior hits like "Wade in Your Water."[40]
Celebration album and ongoing activities (2023–present)
In August 2023, Common Kings released their albumCelebration through Mensch House Records, featuring 12 tracks that blend reggae, pop, and island influences with guest appearances including Royal Blu on "Do My Thing" and J Boog on "Raggamuffin."[41][42] The album's title track, "Celebration (One Shot)," and single "Hideaway" highlight the band's continued emphasis on upbeat, collaborative production.[43] Reviews noted its party-oriented vibe as a return to the group's signature sound amid the pop-reggae landscape.[44]On December 15, 2023, the band issued the single "Stand By Me (Drew Forever)," a tribute to their former keyboardist Drew Stoch, who died in 2020.[45][46] The track, available on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, reflects personal loss through introspective lyrics amid driving rhythms.[47]The band has maintained an active touring schedule into 2025, with confirmed appearances at the Holo Holo Music Festival in Tacoma, Washington (November 8–9, 2025), and West Valley City, Utah (December 5, 2025), alongside further dates in early 2026.[7] These engagements, listed on official ticketing sites, demonstrate sustained demand for live performances without dependence on viral trends, as evidenced by multi-date festival bookings.[48] In October 2025, they hosted a promotional launch event in Waikīkī for the Oahu Holo Holo Music Festival, including product teasers like a branded vodka.[49]
Musical style and influences
Genre fusion and production elements
Common Kings' sonic identity centers on a fusion of reggae rock with pop, R&B, and soul elements, drawing from the Polynesian heritage of members originating from Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga.[50] This blend manifests in cross-cultural arrangements that integrate island reggae rhythms with rock-driven guitar work and soulful melodies, as evidenced by their classification under contemporary pop/rock and reggae genres.[50] Upbeat percussion, led by drummer Jerome Taito, provides a propulsive foundation, emphasizing energetic beats over the slower, skanking grooves typical of traditional reggae.[50]Production techniques evolved from self-recorded early singles in 2011, which retained a raw, live-performance edge, to more refined processes in subsequent releases.[50] By 2017's Lost in Paradise, collaborations with producers like Dwayne "Supa Dups" Chin-Quee introduced layered mixes and radio-oriented polish, enhancing accessibility through structured hooks and balanced instrumentation without diluting core reggae influences.[50] This shift prioritized empirical commercial viability, as seen in singles like "Your Turn" (2014) that adapted reggae foundations for pop crossover appeal.[50]The band's distinction from pure reggae lies in its incorporation of rock and soul dynamics, which accelerate tempos and amplify melodic hooks to broaden listener engagement beyond niche roots audiences.[50] Lead vocals by JR King, often supported by harmonious group interplay, further emphasize soul-infused phrasing over dub-heavy effects, fostering a sound optimized for mainstream platforms.[50][51]
Key influences and evolution
The Common Kings' foundational influences stem from classic reggae pioneers such as Bob Marley, whose rhythmic foundations and island sensibilities informed the band's early sound, alongside gospel roots that emphasized communal harmony and spiritual uplift.[52][53] This reggae base intersects with broader rock elements drawn from acts like Led Zeppelin and The Who, contributing guitar-driven energy and dynamic structures, while soul and R&B icons including Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Van Morrison, and George Benson provided melodic hooks and vocal expressiveness.[1][2] These diverse inspirations, rather than rigidly adhering to reggae's often politically charged motifs, enabled a pivot toward universal, feel-good expressions prioritizing personal joy over ideological messaging.[30]Pacific Islander heritage, shared among the band members raised in Southern California but connected to Polynesian origins, further shapes their stylistic core through infused rhythms and cultural motifs evoking aloha spirit and familial bonds, as highlighted in reflections on ancestral ties and visits to places like American Samoa.[29][30] This ethnic grounding tempers external influences, fostering a hybrid that adapts traditional island cadences to contemporary production without diluting cultural authenticity.[54]Over their trajectory, the band's sound has evolved from reggae-centric compositions to a more hybridized reggae-rock-R&B fusion, evident in the integration of pop-accessible beats and layered harmonies that enhance live energy and broad appeal, as honed through relentless touring since their 2013 EP releases.[1] This progression reflects pragmatic adaptations for sonic versatility, prioritizing resonant, apolitical vibes that align with audience feedback in festival and venue settings, diverging from reggae's historical protest leanings toward enduring, motif-driven accessibility.[2][53]
Lyrical themes and worldview
Emphasis on positivity and personal responsibility
The lyrics of Common Kings prominently feature themes of optimism, resilience, and self-reliance, often centered on love, familial bonds, and communal upliftment, which reflect the band's Polynesian heritage and upbringing in tight-knit, respect-oriented families. Band members, raised in California's Polynesian communities with emphases on service, faith, and hard work, infuse their songwriting with these values, as articulated by guitarist Ivan Kirimaua: "All four of us come from strong families who raised us to always be respectful, the Polynesian way."[55][30] This foundation manifests in tracks like "Before You Go" (2015), dedicated to military families enduring separations, highlighting emotional support and endurance rather than external blame.[56]Personal agency and joy as antidotes to adversity recur across their catalog, promoting individual effort over systemic grievances—a stance aligned with their real-life pursuits as family men who attribute career longevity to relentless preparation and ego-free collaboration.[55][57] In "Heavy Water" (2019, featuring Dirty Heads), lyrics urge confronting life's "heavy water" directly to build strength, embodying resilience through proactive mindset.[58] Similarly, "Today's a New Day" (2017) delivers the mantra "Don't let the past control the path that's here today," encouraging forward-focused agency and renewal.[59] The 2020 single "Happy Pill" extends this to everyday upliftment, fostering "feel-good vibes" via personal choice amid challenges.[60]These motifs empirically parallel the band's ethos, where success stems from self-forged paths as Polynesian artists prioritizing unity and humility, as Kirimaua notes in crediting "hard work" and mutual trust for over a decade of stability.[55][51] Tracks like "Celebration" (2023) further exemplify this by toasting nostalgia, friendship, and present-moment gratitude, reinforcing a worldview of proactive joy rooted in brotherhood and familial duty.[55]
Contrast with traditional reggae motifs
Unlike traditional reggae, which emerged from Jamaica's socio-political turmoil in the 1960s and 1970s and often featured lyrics centered on resistance to colonialism, poverty, racial injustice, and Rastafarian spirituality—as prominently displayed in Bob Marley's works like "Redemption Song" (1980) addressing emancipation from mental slavery—Common Kings eschew such protest motifs in favor of apolitical, celebratory themes emphasizing personal joy, relationships, and island leisure.[61] This departure aligns with the band's Polynesian-American origins in Hawaii and Southern California, where influences draw from relaxed Pacific island cultures rather than Jamaica's history of upheaval and ganja-fueled rebellion.[30][62]Vocalist Jr. King explicitly articulated this distinction in 2023, stating, "Our take on reggae is more feel-good, fun and loving, relaxed in that Hawaiian way... We're not a political band," underscoring a deliberate pivot toward escapist positivity over didactic social critique.[29] Traditional reggae's motifs, by contrast, frequently invoked calls for unity against "Babylon" (symbolizing oppressive systems), as in Peter Tosh's "Legalize It" (1976), whereas Common Kings' tracks like "Gold Skies" (2015) promote carefree escapism and romantic optimism without referencing systemic inequities.[55]Critics within reggae communities have accused this approach of diluting the genre's authenticity, arguing that reggae's foundational ethos—rooted in liberation from oppression, as seen in its evolution from ska and rocksteady amid Jamaica's post-independence struggles—demands engagement with injustice rather than silence during politically charged events.[63] For instance, online discussions in 2025 highlighted frustration with Common Kings and similar acts for avoiding commentary on social issues, viewing it as a commercialization that strips reggae of its causal role in fostering resistance and awareness.[63] Such critiques, often from enthusiasts prioritizing Jamaican origins, contrast with the band's success in expanding reggae's reach to non-traditional listeners via accessible, non-confrontational vibes, evidenced by their Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album in 2018 for Reggae Influence.[44] This divergence, while broadening appeal, invites debate on whether feel-good fusion preserves reggae's rhythmic essence or commodifies its revolutionary spirit for mainstream consumption.[64]
Band members
Current lineup
The current lineup of Common Kings features Sasualei “Jr. King” Maliga on lead vocals, Taumata “Mata” Grey on guitar, Ivan “Uncle Lui” Kirimaua on bass, and Jerome “Big Rome” Taito on drums.[1] Maliga, of Samoan descent raised in Hawaii, delivers the band's signature soulful reggae vocals, while Grey, a Hawaii-raised Samoan, handles lead guitar duties.[1] Kirimaua, born in Fiji with Kiribati roots, provides bass lines rooted in island rhythms, and Taito, an L.A.-born Tongan, anchors the percussion.[1][2]This quartet, united by Polynesian heritage, has formed the band's core since its formation in 2009, fostering a stable creative dynamic that underpins their enduring reggae fusion sound and consistent live energy.[8] Their long-term collaboration has enabled a tight-knit performance style, evident in tours extending through 2025.[7]
Former members and changes
Keyboardist Andrew "Drew" Stoch, professionally known as Drew Keys, served as a touring and recording member of Common Kings, contributing keyboards, production, and dub elements to their live performances and material.[45][65] Stoch, born July 7, 1980, passed away on December 18, 2020, marking the band's only documented personnel change.[65] In tribute, Common Kings released the single "Stand By Me (Drew Forever)" on December 14, 2023, honoring his contributions and the emotional impact of his loss.[45][66]The core quartet—vocalist Jr. King, guitarist Mata, bassist Uncle Lui, and drummer Big Rome—has remained intact since the band's formation in the late 2000s, ensuring continuity in their reggae fusion sound and touring commitments without further disruptions or replacements noted in public records.[67][68] This stability has allowed the group to sustain operations through album releases and major tours post-2020.[55]
Discography
Studio albums
Lost in Paradise, the band's debut studio album, was released on February 3, 2017, through Island Empire Records and consists of 12 tracks with a total runtime of 38 minutes and 40 seconds.[23][69] The album received a Grammy nomination.[70]The follow-up studio album, Celebration, appeared on August 25, 2023, via Island Empire and Mensch House Records and also features 12 tracks.[71][70] It was distilled from an initial pool of 120 songs composed by the band members.[44]
Extended plays (EPs)
The Common Kings issued two extended plays in 2013 that propelled them onto the BillboardReggae Albums chart. Summer Anthems EP, released August 12, featured tracks such as "24/7" and "Thunder & Lightning," blending reggae rhythms with pop sensibilities over approximately 12 songs. Simultaneously, the #WeOnTour Soundtrack EP documented their live energy with selections capturing tour performances, contributing to the band's early momentum.[68] Both EPs peaked in the top 10 on the BillboardReggae Albums chart, establishing a foundation of chart success and fan engagement before transitioning to longer-form releases.[55]In 2015, Hits & Mrs. EP emerged as a six-track collection, including "Since I Woke Up," "I Want It All," and "Before You Go," with a runtime of 21 minutes.[72] Released via Island Empire Records, it emphasized upbeat, fusion-driven reggae-pop while previewing the band's evolving production style ahead of their debut studio album.[73]The 2018 One Day EP, distributed August 10 through Mensch House Records, comprised seven tracks totaling 24 minutes, highlighted by the title song "One Day," "Lock Me Up" featuring Stephen Marley, and "Today's a New Day" with ¡Mayday!.[74] This release incorporated guest features and remixes, such as an EDM reggae version of "Revolution," to sustain visibility between full albums and underscore collaborative extensions of their sound.[32]
Singles and collaborations
Common Kings released the standalone single "Stand By Me (Drew Forever)" on December 18, 2023, as a tribute to their former keyboardist Drew Stoch, who died in 2020 from complications related to COVID-19.[66][75] The track reinterprets Ben E. King's classic with reggae influences, emphasizing themes of support and resilience, and has garnered attention within the reggae community for its emotional dedication.[76]In 2024, the band issued "Lahaina Town" on August 9, a heartfelt response to the August 2023 Maui wildfires that devastated the historic town, honoring affected residents and promoting community recovery.[77][78] This non-album single underscores their ties to Hawaiianculture and current events.[79]Collaborations that year included "Fire Up Di Roses," a multi-artist track with J Boog, The Green, and Fiji, released April 19, celebrating positive vibes and unity in the reggae genre through shared vocals and production.[80][81] Similarly, "West Coast" featured Shwayze and Kes, dropping in August 2024 with a J-Vibe remix following in 2025, blending reggae-rock elements to evoke coastal lifestyles and cross-genre appeal.[82][83] These efforts highlight Common Kings' role in fostering additive partnerships within the reggae and island music scenes, expanding their reach beyond solo releases.[84]
Reception and impact
Critical reception
Common Kings' music has generally received positive critical attention for its energetic fusion of reggae, rock, R&B, and island influences, often highlighted in reviews for delivering uplifting, feel-good vibes suitable for live settings. The band's 2023 album Celebration was praised by The Pier for its "masterful" execution, with tracks like "Do My Thing" (featuring Royal Blu) noted for soulful intensity and seamless shifts from heavy-hitting rhythms to lighter, flowing melodies, maintaining engagement throughout without dull moments.[85] Similarly, Daily Reggae commended the album's magical studio craft and alignment with the band's high-energy performances, emphasizing its party-ready appeal.[86]Earlier works like the 2017 album Lost in Paradise earned acclaim for consistent liveliness in its opening tracks and an overall relaxing, chill tone blending reggae-pop elements, though reviewers observed a mid-album shift where instrumentation overshadowed lead vocalist JR King's contributions.[87][88] Critics from Hunnypot Unlimited reinforced the band's strengths in showmanship and fun, particularly in live contexts, but the radio-friendly polish of their sound has occasionally drawn implicit deconstructions for favoring broad accessibility over deeper traditional reggae exploration.[89] This commercial sheen, while enabling crossover appeal, contrasts with more roots-oriented reggae acts, positioning Common Kings as a modern, positivity-driven ensemble rather than purists.
Commercial achievements and chart performance
Common Kings' early extended plays marked their entry into commercial reggae charting, with the initial two releases attaining top 10 positions on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.[90][55]The band's 2017 debut studio album, Lost in Paradise, achieved number one status on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart upon release, maintaining the top spot for three consecutive weeks.[91][3] It also reached number two on the Heatseekers Albums chart as a top new artist entry and number 30 on the Digital Albums chart.[4]Subsequent releases sustained this momentum; the 2018 EP One Day debuted at number two on the BillboardReggae Albums chart.[9]Operating via their independent Island Empire/Mensch House Records label, the band transitioned from grassroots releases to established reggae contenders, accumulating over 500,000 digital single downloads by late 2021 as a metric of sustained fan-driven sales growth.[92][1]
Common Kings received a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018 for their debut full-length album Lost in Paradise, though the award was won by Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley.[93][94] The band also won the Flava Best International Pacific Artist award at the 2016 Vodafone Pacific Music Awards for their EP Hits & Mrs, recognizing their contributions to Pacific music from outside New Zealand.The band's cultural resonance stems from their Polynesian roots—members hail from Samoan, Hawaiian-Samoan, Tongan, and Fijian backgrounds—and their music's infusion of reggae with themes of family, respect, and positivity drawn from island upbringings.[30] The name "Common Kings" itself pays homage to shared Polynesian chiefly lineages, symbolizing cultural unity across Pacific islands.[51] This has fostered appeal in Polynesian diaspora communities, where their emphasis on familial values and cultural pride—described by members as a "Polynesian way" of respect and representation—aligns with traditional emphases on community and heritage preservation.[55] Performances in places like American Samoa, including ceremonial welcomes, have reinforced their role in cultural exchange and identity affirmation for Pacific audiences.[54]
Tours and other projects
Major tours and live milestones
Common Kings gained early international exposure by supporting Justin Timberlake on select dates of The 20/20 Experience World Tour in Australia and New Zealand in 2014, marking their first major arena-level performances.[29] By that year, the band had already achieved sell-out tours across Hawai'i, Los Angeles, Guam, Tokyo, and Australia as an unsigned act, demonstrating strong grassroots demand in Pacific Islander and reggae-rock communities.[95]Following the release of their 2015 album One Day Rise Up, touring escalated with headlining shows and opening slots for artists including Bruno Mars, Meghan Trainor, Fifth Harmony, and CeeLo Green, expanding their reach to larger U.S. venues and festivals.[29] The band maintained consistent headlining activity, including the "Road to Maui Tour" in support of Maui recovery efforts, which routed through multiple U.S. cities with proceeds directed to wildfire relief.[96]In 2024, Common Kings launched the HIDEAWAY Tour, featuring intimate "winter sessions" along the U.S. West Coast and other markets, with notable stops in San Francisco and Houston that highlighted their energetic live delivery.[97] The tour underscored their adaptability to varied venue sizes while preserving high-energy reggae fusion sets. Complementing paid tours, they headlined free public events in Las Vegas, including the Fremont Street Experience on August 31, 2024, and the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center's Drinksgiving on November 27, 2024, drawing large crowds without ticket barriers and affirming broad appeal.[98]Live milestones include repeated festival appearances at events like California Roots Festival and Holo Holo Music Festival, where their performances have consistently filled slots with sold-out or high-attendance draws, evidencing sustained fan engagement through dynamic stage presence and genre-blending sets.[99][7]
Side projects and collaborations
The band maintains endorsements with audio equipment brands, notably partnering with LEWITT for recording sessions. Common Kings utilized LEWITT's LCT 940 tube microphone to track their Grammy-nominated debut album Lost in Paradise, praising its sound quality for capturing their reggae-rock fusion.[100] This collaboration underscores their commitment to high-fidelity production tools that align with their diverse influences spanning soul, R&B, and island music.[8]In November 2021, Common Kings launched a merchandise collaboration with apparel brand SRH Productions, releasing the limited-edition "Aloha-Bro" package. This included a short-sleeve button-down shirt, digital downloads of singles such as "One Day," and branded stickers, which sold out rapidly due to strong fan demand.[101] The venture extended the band's lifestylebranding beyond music into fashion, reflecting their Polynesian roots and casual "aloha" ethos.[102]Individual members pursue limited external endeavors while prioritizing band cohesion and family life. Guitarist Taumata "Mata" Grey, for example, balances touring with fatherhood, as highlighted in discussions of raising a family amid professional demands.[103] No major solo musical releases by members have been documented, with efforts focused on collective projects that reinforce their network in the reggae and island music scenes.