13 Crowns releases debut single 28 years after The Jets arrived in Tonga

Tongan music band, The Jets which had been well-known in the United States for its pop and freestyle dance music about three decades ago, arrived in Tonga in 1989.

One of the band players was Haini Wolfgramm who was the bassist in the Minnesota family band.

Yesterday Haini’s children released their debut single “Grateful” from their forthcoming five-song extended play album release.

The name of their group band is 13 Crowns.

“…we’re proud to present our families next generation…our nieces & nephews H&S Recording Artists 13Crowns long awaited debut single “GRATEFUL’ lyric video from their YouTube channel”, a post on The Jets Original Family Band’s Facebook account read.

The 13 Crowns wrote on their Facebook page and said: “Hey guys, we are SO excited to announce that we are releasing our very first single “Grateful” on September 11th! This has been a long time coming and we are so excited to finally share it with all of you.”

The song was written by Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd who wrote and arranged songs for Justin Bieber, Usher, 112, Chris Brown and Big Boi.

“Lyrically, the song’s strong message reminds us that, as the band explains, “even though we go through challenges and difficulties, we can rise up, become stronger for it, and in the long run, be grateful for what we’ve learned and overcome”, a statement said.

“13 Crowns is made up of the seven oldest siblings of the 13-member Wolfgramm family, ranging in age from 12 (drummer Nora) to 21 (Eve on keyboards), with 15-year-old Abraham and 16-year-old Tihane the lead singers and songwriters, 18-year-old Isabella on bass, along with Maikeli (14) and Heinrich (20) on guitar”, it said.

The Jets’ arrival in Tonga twenty eight years ago was a huge event in the kingdom with hundreds vying to attend their performances to the public including their first performance to the king at the Royal Palace and a concert at the ʻAtele Indoor stadium.

The Tongan audience was exceptionally moved by the performances especially when the band played some Tongan hiva kakala including the Lavemālie Mai by Late Queen Sālote Tupou III and ‘Aho ‘o e Fiefia by Rev. Dr.  Eric Shumway which was recorded by local band ‘Iongi Brothers.

The Jets members were LeRoy, Eddie, Eugene, Haini, Rudy, Kathi, Elizabeth and Moana Wolfgramm.

Their parents are Mr Maikeli and Vākē Wolfgramm from Vava’u and Matahau in Tonga.

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