"My work draws directly from ancestral memory and hula practice, with roots in chant that transforms to melody. It is not simply Western song with Hawaiian lyrics." Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole

Kaumakaiwa, along with guitarist Shawn Pimental, brings to the stage an immense talent as a singer, chanter, and dancer as well as a deep understanding of her Hawaiian culture and her place as a modern, transgender Hawaiian (mahu wahine) in this contemporary world. Her performances and music seamlessly meld Hawaiian culture and modern sensibilities, with songs that draw from ancient ‘oli (chant) traditions, contemporary melodies, and original mele (lyrics), in deeply powerful music. Hawaiian culture has plenty of humor and she often provides wry commentary and stories to give context to her songs.

"…Kanaka'ole…was backed only by a guitarist in songs drawing on island traditions, particularly chameleonic vocals. [She] vaulted through various registers and timbres, from bass to witchy contralto rasp to sweet soprano ([her] "skinny girl" voice, [she] said), a traditionalist tour de force."– The New York Times

http://pasifika-artists.com/index.php?page=kaumakaiwa-kanakaole