Makana, who goes by one name, was enlisted to play a Hawaiian luau, or feast, Saturday night for leaders who gathered at the birthplace of Obama Honolulu for an annual SUMMIT to formulate a plan for a Pacific free trade agreement.
But in the middle of dinner at the resort strip Waikiki Beach, he pulls open the jacket to reveal a t-shirt that reads “Occupied with Aloha,” use the word Hawaii to mean various including love and peace. He then sang a version of the marathon of the new song “we are many.”
“I was pretty nervous. In fact, I was terrified. I kept thinking ‘ what the consequences will be? ‘ “Makana, 33, told AFP.
Makana, born Matthew Swalinkavich, said the song asked awkward stares from some people who were present but the Obamas appear too absorbed with their guests to see what happens.