You know that feeling when you hear a harmony so tight it feels like the singers are sharing the same set of lungs? That’s Waipahu’s own. Since 2006, Rebel Souljahz has been the soundtrack to every backyard BBQ and beach day across Hawaii and way beyond. But here’s the thing: they aren't your typical reggae band with one frontman and a bunch of background players. They’re a brotherhood.
The Rebel Souljahz band members are actually four distinct lead vocalists who grew up together. We’re talking about Mike Maglinti, Will Su'a, Andrew "Bubba" Hodges, and Tunez Moananu.
They didn't start in a studio. They started at the Waipahu High School flagpole. Imagine four kids ditching class—or at least ignoring the bell—to see who could hit the highest note in a stairway. That raw, acapella energy is exactly why they still dominate the charts in 2026.
Who Are the Rebel Souljahz Band Members?
If you try to pick a "leader" of Rebel Souljahz, you're gonna have a hard time. Honestly, that’s their secret sauce. Most groups have a hierarchy. Not these guys. They operate on a rotation where everyone gets their shine.
Mike Maglinti: The Soulful Anchor
Mike is often the one you’ll hear providing that grit. His voice has a "rough soulful" edge to it, as some critics put it. But don't let the grit fool you. He’s the one who often organizes the harmonies. He’s been vocal about the band’s journey, once mentioning in an interview with MidWeek that his biggest influence was actually the people who doubted they’d ever make it. Talk about fuel for the fire.
Will Su'a: The Sweet Tenor
If Mike is the grit, Will is the silk. His sweet tenor lead is what gives songs like "I'm Not the Man for You" that signature island-romance vibe. He’s a big Bob Marley fan—no surprise there—but he brings a specific R&B smoothness that keeps the band from sounding like a "standard" reggae act.
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Andrew "Bubba" Hodges: The Energy Specialist
Everyone knows Bubba. He’s the guy who brings the vibe to the practice room. He’s admitted in the past that he sees his role as the guy who makes everyone laugh to keep the energy right. But beyond the jokes, Bubba has been open about the "hard truths" of the music industry, including his personal journey with sobriety and overcoming the toxic parts of the tour life. He’s the heart of the group.
Tunez Moananu: The R&B Powerhouse
Tunez rounds out the four-part harmony. He’s the one who reminds everyone that they are just a bunch of "rebellious souljahz" who don't care what people think. Whether they are covering Justin Bieber or dropping an original roots track, Tunez provides that bridge between classic island sounds and modern pop-sensibilities.
The Evolution of the Lineup
Most people think the group has stayed exactly the same since day one. Not quite. While the core four (Mike, Will, Bubba, and Tunez) are the face of the brand, the very early days included Kulani Cozo.
Kulani was part of that initial acapella magic and performed on the breakout debut album Nothing to Hide. If you listen to those early tracks, you can hear his influence in the original vocal arrangements. Over time, the lineup solidified into the quartet we see headlining the Holo Holo Music Festival and MayJah RayJah today.
The band behind the singers is just as vital. You can't have that heavy bass without the right players. Over the years, the "Souljahz" family has included:
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- Shay Marcello on bass (a long-time staple of their live sound).
- Sherwin Debrum on keyboards.
- Daren Garcia and Jaden Jumawan on guitars.
- Luke Daddario on the drums.
It’s a massive operation. When they step on stage, it’s not just four guys; it’s a full-scale wall of sound.
What Makes Their Sound Different?
Reggae is usually about the "one-drop" beat. Rebel Souljahz? They’re about the vocal.
They grew up on a diet of Boyz II Men as much as Bob Marley. You can hear it in the way they layer their voices. They don't just sing "at" each other; they weave through each other's melodies. It’s a style that has won them multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (basically the Hawaiian Grammys).
They call themselves "rebellious" because they don't follow the rules. They’ll drop a heavy roots track and then follow it up with a buttery R&B ballad. In the local scene, that's how you survive. You have to be able to play the party and the protest.
Life Beyond the Music
The Rebel Souljahz band members are famously local. You’ll still catch them at the beach or a backyard BBQ when they aren't touring the South Pacific or the US mainland.
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Bubba has become a bit of an advocate lately, sharing his story on platforms like Culturised to help younger musicians navigate the pitfalls of fame. It’s that kind of maturity that has kept them together for twenty years. Most bands break up after three albums because of ego. These guys? They’re still "those boys from Waipahu."
How to Follow the Rebel Souljahz Today
If you’re looking to catch the current vibe of the band, here is the best way to dive in:
- Listen to "Move With Love": Their 5th album shows the full maturity of their current four-man vocal lineup.
- Watch Live Sets: Look for their recent performances at the Holo Holo Music Festival. The live chemistry between Mike, Will, Bubba, and Tunez is where you really see the "brotherhood" in action.
- Check the Lyrics: Pay attention to the themes of aloha and ohana. They aren't just buzzwords for these guys; it's the foundation of how they've stayed a band for two decades.
The real takeaway? Rebel Souljahz isn't just a band name. It’s a testament to what happens when friends from a small town stay loyal to each other and their sound. They’ve proven that you don't need a fancy Nashville or LA background to conquer the world—you just need a stairway, some harmony, and three friends who have your back.
To stay updated on their latest tour dates and member updates, follow their official social channels or check out the Hawaii-based music news outlets like MidWeek and Island 98.5. If you're heading to a show, bring some energy—Bubba is definitely going to bring his.
Practical Next Steps
- Verify Concert Dates: If you are planning to see them in 2026, always check the official Holo Holo Festival or band websites, as tour lineups for the backing band can shift between legs.
- Stream Their Evolution: Listen to Nothing to Hide (2008) followed by Move With Love (2023) to hear how the vocal dynamic between the members has deepened over 15+ years.
- Support Local: Follow the individual members on Instagram; they often share "behind the scenes" looks at their rehearsals and life in Hawaii that you won't find in official press releases.