Kaumakaiwa and Kulaiwi: Native Lands Contemporary Music & Hula of Indigenous Hawai‘i

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“[Kaumakaiwa]... vaulted through various registers and timbres, from bass to witchy contralto rasp to sweet soprano… a traditionalist tour de force.” — The New York Times

Kaumakaiwa and Kulaiwi represent the heartbeat of Hawai’i today. With soaring vocals, island harmonies and a delightful folk vibe, their original songs reflect their diverse musical styles and passionate commitment to their native Hawaiian roots.

Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole , a charismatic dancer and singer, possesses an impressive vocal range spanning from tenor chant to Hawaiian falsetto singing. A five-time Na Hoku Hanohano (Hawaiian “Grammy”) Award-winner, she seamlessly blends Hawaiian cultural elements with modern sensibilities to create profoundly moving music.

Kaumakaiwa's longtime guitarist, Shawn Pimental, an award-winning musician in his own right, collaborated with two of Hawai‘i’s leading music performers—Lehua Kalima (of Na Leo Pilimehana) and Kawika Kahiapo—alongside hula dancer Pono Fernandez to form Kulaiwi ("land of my ancestors"). Together, they produce music deeply rooted in their native Hawaiian heritage. Their inaugural CD release, Native Lands, garnered them 4 Na Hoku Hanohano wins, including the prestigious Group of the Year award.

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