Checo tohomaso biography of barack obama
•
In 1978, Nova performed for Obama. Well, kind of: Nova was the band for the Punahou School prom in Honolulu, Hawaii, and a young student named Barack (known then as “Barry”) was in attendance.
Backtrack to 1976, and Nova was the opening band for Donald Byrd at the nearby Blaisdell Arena. The day was Sunday, June 27. The following day, Isaac Hayes would perform on island for the admission price of $1.
Nova, led by singer Checo Tohomaso, was one of several go-to party bands during the golden era of Hawaii funk and soul music in the mid-1970s through early 1980s.
The band’s infectious gospel-funk-disco can be heard on their sole release, a self-titled 1980 LP that feels like one big party recorded live in the studio. (Check out the Marvin Gaye-inspired “I Feel Like Getting Down” on the 2016 ‘Aloha Got Soul’ compilation on Strut Records).
The story is all too familiar, however: funk band releases LP, the music goes dormant in years to follow, and today original copies sell for hundreds online. Not long after the album’s 1980 release, Checo met
Marvin Gaye, who was living on Maui (where George Benson also resided). Shortly after, Marvin invited Checo and his counterparts to join his multi-city tour across Europe. Videos of Checo rocking keyboards, percussion and singing backgr
•
Keeping the dream alive through soul music
From Marvin Gaye to the Commodores, Checo Tohomaso has performed with some of the biggest names in Motown — but the British Columbia-based soul singer is known for more than just musical chops. He’s equally notable for his infectious positivity, remarkable stories and signature ear-to-ear grin.
Tohomaso is also a familiar face in Whatcom County. Despite residing across the border, he’s a fixture at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. gathering, which takes place this year on Monday, Jan. 15. Bellinghamsters might also recognize him from his performances at venues in north Whatcom County, local churches and last year’s Juneteenth event at Maritime Heritage Park.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Tohomaso has built a loyal following in the North Sound and beyond. Still, he attributes his success to more than talent alone. Humility, respect and — above all — love are key components of his philosophy for soul music and life in general.
A life led through music
Tohomaso first landed in Vancouver to play Expo ’86, and he’s called B.C. home ever since. His roots, however, are more far-reaching: He was born in Florida, raised in Hawaii and Japan, and has strong ties to New Orleans.
O
•