Common Kings

Common Kings is a reggae rock/pop band from Orange County, California, with Hawaiian and Samoan roots. Formed in 2011 by lead vocalist Sasualei "Jr. King" Maliga, guitarist Taumata "Mata" Grey, bassist Ivan "Uncle Lui" Kirimaua, and drummer Jerome "Big Rome" Taito, the group grew from childhood friendships within the O.C. Pacific-Islander community. The band’s name reflects their heritage, tracing ancestry to royalty in Fiji, Hawaii, Samoa, and Tonga, while their music blends reggae, rock, and island sounds, emphasizing feel-good vibes, catchy beats, and emotional energy. The band first gained traction with their 2013 EPs #Weontour Soundtrack and Summer Anthems, which featured hits like "Alcoholic" and "Wade in Your Water" and charted in the Billboard Top Reggae Albums. They toured extensively with major pop acts including Bruno Mars, Fifth Harmony, and Justin Timberlake, and collaborated with Meghan Trainor on songs such as "24/7" and "Before You Go." Their debut album, Lost in Paradise (2017), received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album and topped Billboard’s reggae charts, followed by the EP One Day (2018), which reached #2 on the same chart. Continuing their momentum, Common Kings released their second studio album, Celebration, in 2023, featuring artists like J Boog, Demarco, and Kabaka Pyramid. They also participated in collaborative projects like Cali Roots Riddim 2020 and the charity compilation The House That Bradley Built, covering Sublime’s "Garden Grove." Their sound reflects a mixture of reggae, pop, R&B, and rock, influenced by artists such as Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, and Stevie Wonder. With over a decade of experience, the band celebrates their musical journey while maintaining their distinct fusion of island-inspired rhythms and mainstream appeal.