At Holo Holo Sacramento, we had the pleasure of catching up with the radiant Maile Soul, an artist whose talent is only rivaled by her heart. Best known for singing background for her brother, J Boog, Maile was at the festival not just to support him, but to show up for her people, uplift the Pasifika music community, and help push the legacy forward.
But Maile is much more than a background vocalist. She's an artist in her own right, currently working on new music while already releasing tracks that demand a spot on your playlist: I Can Only Imagine featuring Sammy Johnson, I Got You featuring Makana, and her collaboration with Willz and Sheldon Palmer, You're the Inspiration. Each song is a showcase of a voice that is impossible to ignore.
When asked about her inspiration, Maile shared, “I love to freestyle. Artists are sensitive; we can be inspired by a leaf that falls or a big family moment. For me, it started in church, singing for the Lord, surrounded by beautiful Black women who introduced me to the R&B scene in Sacramento.” California shaped her as a gospel and R&B singer, and eventually reggae came into the mix, transforming not only her sound but her perspective. “What really inspires me is creating space for Jamaican artists because they are the originators of reggae, while also holding space for our Polynesian people and sending the elevator back down,” she explains humbly.
Mentorship is central to Maile's journey. She wants to lift up the next generation of young girls, offering guidance and wisdom to her nieces, nephews, and aspiring artists alike. “It's important to share what I've learned and help others rise,” she says, crediting mentors like Laga Savea and Fia for passing down lessons she now carries forward.
Her connection to Pasifika culture is deeply personal. While she doesn't speak Tongan or Hawaiian, singing in these languages feels “wonderful and healing.” Our host Monica highlighted how powerful it is to sing in one's native tongue, and BigBodyCisco reminded us that music is a universal language, a truth Maile embodies with every note. She also shared admiration for women artists like Tree, Aaradhna, Tenelle, Anuhea, and Paula Fuga, whose music taught her even without direct mentorship. “We look the same, we see our people,” she reflects.
Homecoming, the most recent festival in Fiji, holds a special place in Maile's heart. She recalls returning for the event, overwhelmed with emotion seeing her people in the green rooms. “Thank you, Lord, for this time. Placing us all here, it's a blessing,” she says, her voice catching with gratitude.
Check her music out if you haven't already, you won't regret it, and we're putting you on! Maile Soul is more than a voice, she is a bridge between cultures, generations, and communities. Through her music, she honors her roots, uplifts her people, and inspires the next generation of Pasifika artists to rise alongside her.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, October 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 10).
October 2025 · Digital Magazine
