Hawaii’s Own Daju Arrives With Emotionally Charged Debut Ep The Ones That Made It
Since emerging onto the R&B scene, Daju has built a reputation for his ability to connect with audiences. Today, he opens up a new chapter in his artistic evolution with The Ones That Made It – a body of work that showcases authentic vulnerability over lush production. Listen HERE.
Speaking about the inspiration behind his debut EP, Daju shares: “’The Ones That Made It’ paints a story of loss – whether that’s love, friends, or just anyone part of your life. Ultimately, it’s an introspective process to gain perspective and appreciation for the people who’ve stayed. It’s a tribute to the ones that made it.” He continues, “Working with other artists and producers from home was important for me, and brought a special meaning to the title.”
Spanning 9 tracks, The Ones That Made It is home to previously released singles “Reckless,” “Brand New,” and the viral “Rain.” The project is deeply personal and sonically expansive, exploring themes that are universally resonant like love, loss, and identity. Daju analyzes the quiet ache of emotional detachment with each song representing a different stage of letting go and holding on.
The focus track “LIFELINE” drives home the message of the EP. Daju speaks from the heart, opening up about how it feels to fall in love and the internalized struggles that accompany the journey.
From concept to completion, The Ones That Made It is a transformative experience that fills the hollow space left by a lost connection with healing and reflection. The EP is Daju’s first full-length outing of 2025 and builds on the momentum of his “Rain” remix featuring Filipina songstress Denise Julia released earlier this year, which has amassed over 2M views across socials.
In less than eight months, Daju has quietly earned his spot as one of R&B’s most exciting new voices. Listen to The Ones That Made It and stay tuned for more.
The Ones That Made It Tracklist:
1. Strangers in Love
2. Brand New
3. Space
4. Rain
5. Back to You
6. Let Go
7. LIFELINE
8. Always Be Mine
9. Reckless
ABOUT DAJU
Daju was born and raised in Waipahu, Hawaii, where a strong sense of family and community shaped his perspective from an early age. Daju’s journey began with remixing popular songs on SoundCloud, but his passion soon evolved into creating original compositions. His first breakthrough came with the release of “Kodak Moment” (feat. 8RO8 & Koins) – a track that resonated with listeners and marked a turning point in his artistry. From there, Daju’s vulnerability and emotional depth in his pen began to stand out. Drawing inspiration from his father, and R&B megastars Frank Ocean and Daniel Caesar (for their raw, experimental approach), Daju has cultivated a sound that is uniquely his own. He’s always sought to express something genuine in his creative flow, believing that the cathartic process of songwriting makes his music relatable and authentic. With tracks like “Rain,” which became one of his biggest hits to date and a game-changer early in his career, Daju’s profile began to grow rapidly. Today, he is positioned for the next phase of his musical journey, moving from the small town of Waipahu to the world’s stage.
