Kelandy’s latest single embodies the spirit of the island
Kelandy Diaz, professionally known as Kelandy, completed the composition of his newest single, “Mango Tree,” in a mere day and a half. Not long ago, Kelandy returned to his roots in Hawaii after spending time on the Mainland and putting in work in Las Vegas. The genesis of the song was a challenge issued by a friend for Kelandy to create a piece with more simplified and straightforward lyrics. Under the self-imposed deadline of 10 p.m. that same day, Kelandy set out to craft what he intended to be the “cheesiest song.” However, upon completion, Kelandy had a revelation, realizing the potential of the resulting creation. The track was officially released on March 21st, pleasing music enthusiasts and fans alike.
The catchy tune finds its inspiration in the universal symbol of a mango tree, evoking nostalgic memories and feelings synonymous with childhood. Kelandy shared that the theme of the song taps into the innocence and purity of first love, transporting listeners back to a time of youthful exuberance and excitement. Showcasing a departure from his usual style, Kelandy admits that “Mango Tree” is unlike any of his previous releases, presenting a unique blend of soul, reggae, pop, and rock, culminating in a fresh island sound.
For the production of “Mango Tree,” Kelandy recruited the talents of Josh Tatofi, an accomplished artist with a Grammy nomination under his belt and a recent partnership with the independent record label Empire. The collaborative efforts of Kelandy, Josh Tatofi, and Fiji have resulted in well-received and captivating performances, including shared stages with acclaimed bands like The Green and Common Kings. Through his experiences touring with renowned talents such as Rebel Souljahz and Maoli, Kelandy gained insight into the presence of islanders from Polynesia, the South Pacific, and Hawaii in bustling metropolitan areas outside their homeland.
With “Mango Tree,” Kelandy strives to resonate with not only his current fan base but also to strike chords in the hearts of the Polynesian and South Pacific communities. Drawing on inspiration from his upbringing and music that influenced his formative years, Kelandy expresses a deep-rooted connection to the track. Its rapid creation process echoes a previous hit by Kelandy, “Party on the Wknd,” which amassed over 2.1 million streams on Spotify. The inclusion of Calvin Canha’s percussion expertise and Maile’s soulful background vocals elevates the essence of “Mango Tree” even further.
Kelandy’s father, a resident of Palau, instantaneously connected with the song, paralleling its nostalgic appeal with their shared musical heritage. Kelandy’s anticipation and eagerness to release “Mango Tree” is palpable, confident that the track will be enthusiastically received by listeners from all walks of life. With an eye toward engaging audiences across Oceania, from Australia to New Zealand, Tonga to Samoa, and beyond, Kelandy envisions “Mango Tree” striking a universal chord.
To experience “Mango Tree” and stay updated on Kelandy’s musical journey, you can find his song on streaming platforms and follow him on Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube. Kelandy also shares news and announcements on his website, kelandymusic.com.