North Shore-based duo of brothers set to perform at Ko Olina Children’s Festival

“Singing is in our bloodline,” said Zyah Rhythm, 15, of the musical duo “Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm.”

He isn’t kidding. The brothers, who are based on the North Shore, are from a family of singers and performers and are nephews of Bruno Mars. Their mom is Tahiti Hernandez Kemper, who is a “DJ for fun” and married to professional surfer Billy Kemper, according to her Instagram. 

“When we were young, our grandma used to sing to us, and we used to do karaoke with her when we were little,” Zyah told Aloha State Daily. One of their favorites was “Over the Rainbow,” he said. 

This weekend, the brothers will be one of several groups performing at the Ko Olina Children’s Festival, which benefits the Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children on Saturday, May 10. The performances will run from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on the Grand Lawn at the Ulua Lagoon, which is also known as Lagoon No. 4. Other highlights of the event include a performance by Kapena School of Music, guest appearances from Disney characters and a screening of “Moana 2.” 

For the musical duo, the Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children has a personal connection. 

“I was born there, and so are my siblings,” Nyjah, 16, added. “I was actually in the NICU and also my little brother was, and I would love to give back to that medical center.”

Recently, the brothers were featured in a commercial for GapKids, which was filmed in August and released in November.

“We got to meet a bunch of talent and sing live with them,” said Nyjah. “It was just a good community.”

When writing their own music, they pull from their experiences growing up on the North Shore.

“It's either life experience things, or just stuff we want to hear about,” he said. 

For the boys, singing was something that started as soon as they could talk, Zyah said. 

“We've been surrounded by it since we were little,” Nyjah said. “It's been in our family for a long time.”

As for the concert this weekend, the boys can’t wait to take the stage.

“I'm looking forward to having fun and watching all the kids smile and have fun with us,” Zyah said. 

“I'm looking forward to inspiring all these kids to dream big,” Nyjah said.

Tickets are $25- $45. Get tickets.

Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.