Kalani Artis, a captivating young singer-songwriter, provided a powerful testimony to that effect. Here’s his conversation with Biwa Kwan from an episode of Weekend One on One. The discussion truly highlighted the transformative effects of a powerful music program on his artistic life. It provided him a much more profound effect – purpose, connection, and belonging as a valued member of his community.
For Kalani, it’s personal. Ten years ago, he graduated from a music education program that changed the course of his life. When we started working together, he was feeling lost and in desperate need of a community. Through music, he found a way to express his emotions. It was a powerful avenue, linking him with other influential change-makers whose hearts lit up at the thought of creativity. This experience was the spark that launched his artistic career, giving him the space to deeply accept his roots, develop his craft, and honor his passion.
In that recent interview, Kalani explained how that program created a community that cultivated an atmosphere of creativity. He told me that the relationships he developed in this incredibly formative period were critical to his development as an artist. His story is a powerful reminder of the difference that community and the power of mentorship can make for those who are still trying to find their voice.
Kalani’s eventual return to the program, to participate in the collaborative project, marked a return full-circle in his life. He said he was grateful to have the chance to give back to the community that had over the years raised him up. With this collaboration, he hopes to encourage the next generation of students and help them remember how transformative music can be.
The latest project provided Kalani the opportunity to reestablish relationships with past mentors and peer musicians. This opportunity deepened the connections he had cultivated over 6 decades. He talked about how these collaborations re-inspired his love for music and began the creative process of birthing new ideas. The experience of being out there re-affirmed his faith in the power and importance of community and how vital it is to humanity and the arts.
