Joshua "Baba" Tavares is a Kanaka Maoli actor, singer, dancer, writer, director and teacher based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. He received his MFA in Acting and Hana Keaka from UH Mānoa, and now works there as the Assistant Professor of Acting 

He played the iconic role of Angel in the 20th Anniversary National Tour of the Broadway musical RENT. He's also a pioneer in Hawaiʻi's theatre scene, originating captivating roles and creating original works including: Haku Wale and Glitter in the Paʻakai.

He has a co-starring role in Fox's Rescue HI Surf and you can catch him singing in Cirque du Soleil's sensational Waikīkī show, ʻAUANA.

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His debut EP "Hanohano Hōnaunau" is now streaming on all major platforms. He received two Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in 2026 including: Most Promising Artist &

Hawaiian EP of the Year. 

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He is also the Haku Collective x Mana Up Artist to Watch Winner 2026 and will perform his original song "Kū Kiaʻi" with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra in June 2027!​​

Mahalo!