With a style mix of R&B, soul, hip hop and island reggae, Pacific Islander Nakii Moala is determined to make a name for herself in the music industry.

“I am a ninja in this music industry, an underdog, an up-­and-­coming artist … I just want to be heard, no need to be known,” Moala said, “I won’t allow myself to believe that being what God made me can restrict me from anything I wholeheartedly desire in life.”

Born in the bay area and raised in Hayward, California with roots in the Pacific Islands of Tonga and Saipan, Moala began singing at the early age of two. She found great passion with music and consistently listened to Fiji, Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Patsy Cline and Billie Holiday.

One of five children, Moala played in a family band called ToMorro, the name a result of the merging of Tonga and Chamorro.

Aside from music, something that Moala takes great pride in is her Pacific Islander heritage.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t know any different than being a Pacific Islander, that’s just what I am, what I always have been and always will be,” Moala said, “I am blessed with the opportunities I have had in the Poly community, being able to perform with artists and at venues I never thought possible, being anyone other than who and what I am.”

In addition to playing guitar and the keyboard, Moala can sing in Tongan and is learning Chamorro, a Pacific Islander language.

Nakii has performed at various locations, including California, Utah, Arizona, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Saipan and Guam.

Along with music, Nakii wants to work with autistic children and is pursuing her bachelor’s in psychology. With her determination, it’s safe to say that big things are in store for Moala.

To learn more about Moala and listen to her music, visit www.Facebook.com/NakiiMoala.