Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole wowed the audience at the recent Na Hoku Hanohano Awards dinner. He went to the podium after being named Male Vocalist of the Year (2009). He won a second Hoku for best Hawaiian language performance. Flanked by his mother and grandmother who are part of his distinguished family musical legacy, he launched into a chant. It was the hit of the evening!
When Kaumakaiwa was a rising star, having recorded his debut album, PBS Hawaii featured him (and another rising star, Kanani Kahaunaele) on our program, NA MELE: TRADITIONS IN HAWAIIAN MUSIC.
The program was taped in late 2004, in our Manoa TV studio, and first broadcast in January 2005. See it again Monday! And compare Kaumakaiwa's work then to what he does on his newest album. www.mountainapplecompany.com/kaumakaiwa
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