Meet Kamakakēkahu Fernandez, an incredibly talented musician whose journey from Little Rock, Arkansas to the beautiful shores of Maui, Hawaii, is nothing short of inspiring. Born with a Hawaiian heart and soul, Kamaka's story is a beautiful blend of cultural heritage and musical passion.
In this episode, Kamaka shares his deep love for Hawaiian culture and music, nurtured by his education in the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program. His fluency in the Hawaiian language and his commitment to keeping it alive is truly heartwarming. Kamaka's musical journey has taken him to prestigious stages across Hawaii and ...
Meet Kamakakēkahu Fernandez, an incredibly talented musician whose journey from Little Rock, Arkansas to the beautiful shores of Maui, Hawaii, is nothing short of inspiring. Born with a Hawaiian heart and soul, Kamaka's story is a beautiful blend of cultural heritage and musical passion.
In this episode, Kamaka shares his deep love for Hawaiian culture and music, nurtured by his education in the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program. His fluency in the Hawaiian language and his commitment to keeping it alive is truly heartwarming. Kamaka's musical journey has taken him to prestigious stages across Hawaii and beyond, and he's even been featured in the Hawaiian language version of Disney's Moana as the voice of Tamatoa, the shiny crab!
Join us as Kamaka takes us on a melodious journey, sharing his origin story, his love for the ukulele, and the art of falsetto singing. He beautifully bridges the musical connection to Hawaii's ancestors, honoring the past while sharing the cultural treasures of Hawaii with the world.
We also dive into the rich history of African-American ties to Hawaii and explore Kamaka's unique identity in a world that often questions his ties to the island. His perspective is as enlightening as it is inspiring.
So, sit back and let Kamaka's music transport you to the lush landscapes of Hawaii. His voice and stories are a reminder of the beauty and diversity of Hawaiian culture. Mahalo for joining us on this wonderful journey! 🌴🎶
00:00 Introduction to Kamaka Kehao Fernandez
00:25 Kamaka's Early Life and Adoption
00:46 Immersion in Hawaiian Culture and Education
01:27 Musical Journey and Achievements
03:45 The Concept of Hanai and Kamaka's Origin Story
07:27 Discovering the Ukulele and Falsetto Singing
10:59 Performing with Hawaiian Legends
13:00 Cultural Identity and Bridging Cultures
15:56 Voice Acting in Moana and Language Preservation
19:55 Learning the Hawaiian Language
23:12 Exploring Hawaiian Music and Culture
23:59 Memorable Performances and Personal Stories
27:32 A Special Song Performance
29:38 Discussing the Song 'Wahi Mahalo'
35:54 The Inspiration Behind 'He Mele No Hina'
44:37 The Power of Music and Connection
46:00 Where to Find More Music
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