“The Kamaka ukulele exemplifies its musical significance to Hawaii. Growing up I dreamt that one day I would own and play a Kamaka ukulele. That day came true when I met Anakala Chris Kamaka while performing with the group Hookena in 2004. It speaks of the music that I want to express along with the words of the mele.”
Raiatea Helm
Raiatea Helm
Raiatea Helm, a two-time Grammy nominee and multiple Na Hoku Hanohano awards recipient, is recognized as one of Hawaii’s premier female vocalists. Among her awards, she was honored in Hawaii twice as Female Vocalist of the Year. A master of the art of leo kie kie – the Hawaiian falsetto tradition – she shares her experiences and knowledge of Hawaii’s rich history through traditional mele (songs). Her music career spans 20 years and includes seven album releases, recorded and performed with legendary musicians including Keola Beamer, Aunty Genoa Keawe, Kealii Reichel, Willie K and Mick Fleetwood.
“Although I am a guitar player by profession, my Kamaka ukulele is what I use to play music for me. I have written all my original music on a Kamaka. Crafting a good song requires a delicate balance of inspiration and ability. Unlocking THAT can sometimes be the hardest part. My Kamaka ukulele is what allows me to tap into that magic.”
Kuana Torres Kahele
Kuana Torres Kahele
Singer, composer, guitarist and educator Kuana Torres Kahele is one of Hawaiian music’s most popular artists. With a style steeped in everything from hula and traditional folk music to jazz and swing to country and western, his smooth tenor voice (and silky falsetto), and call and response choruses inhabit his weave of traditional and modern instruments, Kahele has forged his own path through Hawaii’s musical history — particularly in hula music — coming up with a sound distinctly his own. Kahele played the character of Uku, a lovesick volcano, in Pixar’s hit short, “Lava.” Kahele’s title theme for the film debuted at number one on the soundtrack chart and remained there for months.