‘American Idol’ Winner Iam Tongi’s Playful “Why Kiki?” Chronicles Heartbreak On The Shores Of Waikiki

“Why Kiki” follows Tongi’s “Monsters” duet with James Blunt as well as his debut single, “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

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Melinda Lorge

Melinda Lorge is a Nashville-based freelance writer who specializes in covering country music. Along with Music Mayhem, her work has appeared in publications, including Rare Country, Rolling Stone Country, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Wide Open Country and more. After joining Rare Country in early 2016, Lorge was presented with the opportunity to lead coverage on late-night television programs, including “The Voice” and “American Idol,” which helped her to sharpen her writing skills even more. Lorge earned her degree at Middle Tennessee State University, following the completion of five internships within the country music industry. She has an undeniable love for music and entertainment. When she isn’t living and breathing country music, she can be found enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.

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Posted on September 24, 2023

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Iam Tongi; Photo Courtesy of YouTube

After teasing his next single, Iam Tongi has dropped his latest song, “Why Kiki?” The tune, released on Friday (Sept. 22), follows the Season 21 American Idol winner’s debut single, “I’ll Be Seeing You,” which topped the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart. 

“Why Kiki?” is a playful track that pays homage to the vibrant neighborhood of Honolulu, Hawaii’s Waikiki, which features stretches of luxurious beaches, beautiful ocean waters, upscale hotels, and shopping centers. The song also offers a unique twist as it finds Tongi singing about getting his heart broken by a black-haired island girl. 

Why Kiki? / Why you wanna do me like that Kiki? / Why you gotta hurt me so bad Kiki? / Why you got me down on my knees?” Tongi, 19, croons throughout the chorus. “Tell me / Why Kiki? / Why you wanna make me so sad Kiki? / Take my heart and break it in half Kiki / You got me begging pretty please / Why Kiki?” 

Sticking to his roots, the Pacific Islander’s song’s laid-back melody takes listeners to tropical paradise with its reggae-influenced sound. If that’s not enough, Tongi transports folks to the Hawaiian islands with the release of his music video for “Why Kiki?”

Listen To Iam Tongi’s “Why Kiki?” Below

Directed by Kevin Sawicki and Christian Bowman, the scenic clip opens up with a bustling view of Waikiki Beach. The video, partly filmed at the Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve, follows the storyline of a romantic couple who enjoys each other’s company on the island, riding around with the wind blowing in their hair, looking at the ocean view with their arms wrapped around each other, and ending the story on a cliffhanger as they appear to go in for a kiss.

Footage of Tongi performing his original song outdoors while accompanied by a slew of backup Hula dancers is distributed throughout select scenes of the clip. 

Tongi gave fans a glimpse into his new song with a live performance in July during his concert at Ventura Music Hall in Ventura, Calif. He later teased the tune on Instagram, writing, “Been working on something exciting for you guys! Excited to finally share with you all! Did you pre-save/pre-add Why Kiki? #iamtongi #whykiki #newmusic🤙🏾🤙🏾.”

After dropping the track, Tongi shared a snippet of the music video and thanked everyone on his team who worked alongside him to bring “Why Kiki?” to life. 

“Why Kiki?” is out now!! Thanks to everyone who made this song and music video possible!” He wrote before getting sentimental about his home island. “Filming this at home with my family and friends made this the best experience. What do you guys think about the new song and video?? #newmusic #whykiki #iamtongi #hawaii

“So excited to finally share this project with you all 🤙🏾!! Got to work with so many amazing people to make this happen!! Yessah 🤙🏾Why Kiki? drops tonight!! Who’s ready 🤙🏾?? #whykiki#iamtongi #newmusic,” Tongi captioned a third post on Instagram. 

Won American Idol, Currently In The Midst Of First-Ever Headlining Tour

Iam Tongi was born in Kahuku, which is situated on Oʻahu’s North Shore between Laʻie and Turtle Bay. He moved to Washington State in 2020 due to Hawaii’s high cost of living. He shared his story during his American Idol run and stole America’s heart with his powerful rendition of James Blunt’s “Monsters,” which he dedicated to his late father. During the Idol finale, Tongi won over the votes, beating out fellow Top 3 standouts Megan Danielle and Colin Stough.

Iam Tongi; Photo Courtesy of Facebook
Iam Tongi; Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Additionally, Tongi is currently in the midst of his first-ever headlining tour, but will soon return to Hawaii as he will perform three headlining shows dubbed “Yessah — Iam Tongi Returns to Hawaii.” On December 9, he will perform at Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. His two following shows will take place in Maui at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center on Dec. 12 and 13. 

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Melinda Lorge is a Nashville-based freelance writer who specializes in covering country music. Along with Music Mayhem, her work has appeared in publications, including Rare Country, Rolling Stone Country, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Wide Open Country and more. After joining Rare Country in early 2016, Lorge was presented with the opportunity to lead coverage on late-night television programs, including “The Voice” and “American Idol,” which helped her to sharpen her writing skills even more. Lorge earned her degree at Middle Tennessee State University, following the completion of five internships within the country music industry. She has an undeniable love for music and entertainment. When she isn’t living and breathing country music, she can be found enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.

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