‘Lopaka Rootz Hi in I’ Releases Debut Music Video

Image from Lopaka Rootz Hi in I’s new music video “AfterShock.”

Hawai‘i Island-based reggae band Lopaka Rootz Hi in I has announced the release of a new music video for their debut single “AfterShock.”

The single was originally released in December 2017 and the band held their first performance of conscious-oriented rhythms at the Hilo Town Tavern in Hilo on Feb. 10, 2018.

AfterShock was named after the sound waves of inspiration that reverberate like an earthquake and shake up the present consciousness, according to the band. The track includes several additional musicians, including Kahulanui’s Jesse Snyder on saxophone and Pat Eskildsen on guitar and bass, as well as Sarah Bethany on additional keys. The single is available for download online.

Lopaka Rootz Hi in I consists of five members led by singer/songwriter Lopaka Rootz. Rootz is a long time Kailua-Kona resident who was born in Pennsylvania. He has written and produced music for more than a decade, drawing his early inspiration from the multi-ethnic background and infectious grooves of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley.

Superman the Aquarian—who also leads the popular Hilo funk/soul band “Soulstice”—plays lead guitar in the band; David Fulkerson keeps rhythm on drums; Nikhil Narahari plays bass, and Cheriess Maree plays keys.

According to the band, the name “Hi in I” was coined using Rasta terminology, and embodies their artistic movitations of self-realization, higher consciousness and expressing appreciation for the culture of Hawai‘i.