About Maila
Maila Gibson is a dynamic, emotive performer with confident yet down-to-earth presence that captures all audiences. Although Maila commits to a high standard of excellence the moment she steps on stage, she longs to do more than simply entertain. Touching lives and singing straight into people’s hearts is truly what she’s all about.
Maila has been on many stages since the age of 9. At age 10, she stepped into the recording studio for the first time, recording a commercial jingle for Meadow Gold. She also modeled and acted for print and television in addition to dancing hula for many years. All were wonderful, but her first love is still music.
In 1995, Maila was scouted to record a solo album in Japan. By the next year, “Maila Gibson” was released in Tokyo under Media Remores. Soon after were more recordings and performances in Hawaii with Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners The Hawaiian Style Band. Her hit single “What If It’s True” with Ben Vegas, went to number one.
Ben Vegas produced Maila Gibson’s highly anticipated album “More” in 2003. ”More” won 2 Hawaii Music Awards for Pop Album of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year along with 5 Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominations. This CD highlights not only her singing range but also her songwriting skills. 10 of the 11 songs were written by Ben and Maila during their weekly performances at The Sheraton Kaua’i Resort. ”Making music with Ben is as easy as breathing,” Maila says, “And no! We’re not married!” No, they’re not married (to eachother, that is) but their musical relationship and love for eachother could be compared to that of a marriage with regards to their commitment, to one another and to their craft.
Maila has performed with national artists such as Natalie Cole, Ruben Studdard, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Donnie and Marie Osmand. Locally, she has performed with Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners and Grammy nominees Keali’i Reichel and Ho’okena. Maila recorded two songs on Ho’okena’s Grammy nominated albums including “The Prayer” and “Nani Mau Loa.”
About Ben Vegas
Raised in the natural surroundings of Palolo Valley in Honolulu, Ben found his true calling during his sophomore year in high school when he began playing music. When he graduated he moved to the mainland for ten years to pursue a career in the music industry. He resided in Dallas and California but performed all over the continental U.S. and internationally. It was there that he had the opportunity to work with many of today’s top recording artists.
Ben returned to the islands in 1982 and functioned in the music industry in many different capacities. Among the groups he’s performed with are the Krush and 5:05 with whom Ben garnered three #1 hits.
Ben released a solo album entitled “Walking in the Light” which in only three months of airplay produced two #1 hits. “Walking in the Light” was written produced and arranged by Ben. Music from this release is already being played internationally and has been featured on the World Charts Show airing in 67 countries.
Ben has garnered five #1 hits in the state of Hawaii.
- Puanani – 5:50 “Stay Awake”
- Tropical Beauty – 5:50 “Stay Awake”
- I Wanna be Her Man – 5:50 “Stay Awake”
- Maile Lei – Ben Vegas “Walking in the Light”
- You’re My Love – Ben Vegas “Walking in the Light”
Here is just a short listing of the artists Ben has recorded or performed with throughout the years.
Nationally
Kenny Loggins
Stevie Wonder
Pointer Sisters
Kenny Rogers
Ray Charles
Tina Turner
Olivia Newton John
Mac Davis
Lou Rawls
Rufus
Locally, Ben has played with numerous Hawaii artists either as a guitar player, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. Some of the artists include Keali’i Reichel, Na Leo Pilimehana, Theresa Bright, Keahiwai, and Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom.
Although his accomplishments are many and even span a few decades (believe it or not), Ben feels he has found his musical home with Maila. Quite often, you’ll hear him say that one of the best compliments he ever received was that he and Maila were meant to sing together.