Zilla Barbosa
Executive Producer of MusicZilla Barbosa is HPR’s Executive Producer of Music and the Monday night host of Bridging the Gap. In her role, she works closely with HPR’s music hosts to create distinctive listening experiences, explore new broadcast and digital opportunities, and connect diverse audiences across Hawai‘i and beyond. She also helps plan outreach events featuring musical guests .
Zilla’s radio journey began as a DJ and music director at UH Mānoa’s KTUH. She later joined LA’s flagship NPR affiliate, KCRW, where she rose from assistant to producer, developing programming that expanded the station’s reach and impact. She has also consulted for international radio stations in the UK.
Beyond radio, Zilla is the founder of Vault Films, an independent production company. Her debut feature documentary, Making The Line, explores the world of competitive hula at the Merrie Monarch Festival and is slated for release in 2026.
Find her on Instagram: @mszilla.
Related Programming
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HPREmerging classical artists - pianist Brian Bethea and vocalist Kaelyn Howard - brought their fresh perspectives to the Atherton Performing Arts Studio on July 25th, 2026. They performed songs and piano pieces that spans cultures traditions, and musical eras as part of our Live from the Atherton: Classical Music concert series, sponsored by HMSA. -
HPRSharpness and Subtlety is the name of the vibrant, intimate, and deeply moving performance by violist Yuri Hughes and pianist Jasmine Nagano. The duo brought their musicianship to our Atherton Performing Arts Studio on July 18th, 2025, as part of our Live from the Atherton Classical Music concert series, sponsored by HMSA. -
Ricky ImotoA dynamic jazz-ska fusion ensemble, Lucas Utley brought his group of emerging musicians and a whole mess of energy to their performance as part of our Live from the Atherton: New Wave Jazz concert series, sponsored by HMSA. Their concert was taped on May 23, 2026 in our Atherton Performing Arts Studio. -
Mar MizunakaThe O'ahu-based Christina Sochor Trio performed original compositions as well as arrangements of film, anime, and video game soundtracks when they made their Atherton Performing Arts Studio debut on May 30th, 2026. The trio's performance was part of our Live from the Atherton: Next Wave Jazz concert series, sponsored by HMSA. -
HPRCelebrated Hawaii musicians Kalaʻe Parish, Kainani Kahaunaele, Kaniaulono Hāpai, and Ei Neiʻs Dane Fujiwara joined us in the Atherton Performing Arts Studio for a night of in-depth conversations about their songwriting process. This event took place on July 8th, 2026, as part of our Live from the Atherton: Storytellersʻ Series, sponsored by HMSA. -
HPRHawaii Public Radio came to Hilo on May 21st, 2026, for a night of community discussion with Hawaiian Volcano Observatoryʻs Ken Hon and UH Hiloʻs Pelehonuamea Harman, and inspiring music from Hilo singer-composer, Kaniaulono Hāpai. -
HPR2026 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Group of the Year award-winner Ei Nei brought their signature harmonies and effortless humor to our Atherton Performing Arts Studio on February 28th, 2026. Their performance was part of our celebration of Ka Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month) and the finale of our 2026 Live from the Atherton: Mele Hawaii series, sponsored by HMSA. -
HPRKamakakēhau Fernandez is known for his soaring leo kiʻekiʻe (falsetto) vocals, his expressive ʻukulele playing, and heartfelt performances. He was a guest performer in our Atherton Performing Arts Studio on February 21st, 2026, in celebration of Ka Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month), and as part of our Live from the Atherton: Mele Hawaiʻi concert series, sponsored by HMSA. -
HPRKānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) classical pianist Laritza Labouche (T.J. Keanu Tario) entertained the audience in the Atherton Performing Arts Studio with her ability to combine classical music with mele and oli, song and chant. Her concert was part of our celebration of Ka Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month) and our Live from the Atherton: Mele Hawaii concert series, sponsored by HMSA. -
HPRMaui-born singer-songwriter Gregory Juan transcends audiences to a period in time where only ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) was spoken. He kicks off our 2026 Live from the Atherton: Mele Hawaiʻi concert series, sponsored by HMSA. His performance was part of our celebration of Ka Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month) and taped in our Atherton Performing Arts Studio on February 7th, 2026.
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Inside: Jazz events in Honolulu, a timeless ballet on Kauaʻi, celebrating childrenʻs discovery, and a highlight of choral concerts across the state. This week, we hear from Executive Producer of Music and Monday night host of "Bridging the Gap," Zilla Barbosa.
