Biography

Jake Kongaika grew-up in the South Pacific heavily influenced by local island traditions and the rich musical cultures of Tonga, Samoa, and Hawaii. The melodic harmonies of the South Pacific were introduced to Jake at an early age by his father who sang the old Tongan songs to his children and inspired a lifelong passion for music and ignited Jake’s innate, natural ability. During his youth Jake picked up the nickname “Cub” which later became “Cubworld” as an expression of his own world view on life.

Cubworld received his first Martin guitar during his freshman year in college from his sister. He had no idea at the time that the guitar would help him find his own “voice” and release his inner most thoughts and feelings. Cubworld’s songs are about his sons, his wife, his morals, family, music and the other loves and passions in his life.

Cubworld is inspired by his older brother Joel Kongaika, Jack Johnson, Coldplay, Bob Marley, Dave Mathews, Ben Harper, and Oasis. His first album, Step Lightly Create Out Loud is a musical journey into Cubworld’s life, experiencing a broad range of songs from soulful ballads, and upbeat ska-inspired rhythms, to modern, Indie-rock songs that are sure to inspire. Step Lightly Create Out Loud was not only the creative result of Cubworld but also the result of 686 fans from 44 different countries who invested in Cubworld, helping him raise $50,000 for a recording contract with Sellaband.com, making him the first U.S. SellaBand recording artist with this distinction.

“The elegance of Cubworld. Deceptively simple, this music has a lullaby quality that hides layers of sophistication. Kick back and let yourself be soothed by the crooning of Cubworld. These songs are an oasis of peace in our frenetic existence…”
Gilles Martin, French producer/engineer and A&R

“A great raw voice that has a beautiful frailty. He has the sort of voice that makes one listen to the words, which are worth listening to. I do enjoy the freshness and ‘unmanicured’ approach to song construction and musical performances. Very emotive and telling…”

Haydn Bendall, chief engineer at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios

“I really like the songs and the guys’ voice. I'm a huge Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and Dave Matthews Band fan, and I love the little crack in his voice...lyrics are nice as well, really nice tunes...” Bob Brockman, a.k.a. Bassy Bob