Taylor Graham

“For me, following what lights me up has been game-changing in my life and career because there are so many things that people told me I should do that actually drain me of my life force,” she said. “My advice would be, if you feel compelled to do something and it’s not going to hurt nobody else, go ahead and do it.”

Mālama Hawai‘i is Columbia’s student-run organization dedicated to sharing Pacific Island and Polynesian culture on campus and around New York City. The theme for this year’s event was Nānā I Ke Kumu, which translates to “Look to the source,” in honor of the kumu hula who shared their knowledge and choreography for the lū‘au’s dance performances.

Throughout the annual spring concert, the performers treated students to a diverse range of music. Peppé’s set featured original melodies and two covers, followed by the alternative R&B and synth-pop tunes of singer-songwriter Nourished by Time. The viewing area gradually filled with concertgoers, as indie rock band Slow Pulp brought a change of pace with their dreamy pop and folk-influenced tracks.