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Traditional & Contemporary Hawaiian Music
The multi ethnic influence on Hawaiian music is too conspicuous to ignore. Multi- cultural blends make the things interesting by spicing them up and this is exactly what happened in case of Hawaiian music. Starting from the exotic folk tunes to the contemporary hip hops, the contemporary Hawaiian music has all the ingredients in it to make you tap your feet in the disco when you are in perfect mood or sway with its melancholy notes in the ties of solitude! This explains this small island’s big contributions toward the US music scenario as a whole. After all who can forget those Hollywood oldies that routinely included Hawaiian tunes in their soundtracks!
History and Musical Heritage of Hawaii
Though Hawaiian history is many centuries old, the musical heritage is comparatively modern. The first recorded musical history of Hawaii begins from late 18th century. The period coincided with the European and Asian settlers who brought along their music and musical instruments with them in this new country. The foreign melody was added to the native religious chants that were mostly made of words and rhythms; this unique amalgamation gave birth to the traditional Hawaiian folk music. Prior to the foreign settlements, the meaning of melody was unknown to the native Hawaiians; in a broad sense, native Hawaiian music referred to myriad rhythms created by several indigenous percussions, accompanied by rich poetic texts chanted in chorus topped with ritualistic Hula dance. The chant called ‘mele’ is typically accompanied by such instruments as ‘ipu heke’ or double guard drum and ‘ipu’ or the single guard drum.
With increasing Western influences such as choir music of the protestant missionaries, or the Spanish or Mexican cowboy music…all played significant role to weave out a unique genre of music that ultimately culminated into modern Hawiian style in the beginning of 20th century. It was the time when the Hawaiian music started to borrow more heavily from the American musical traditions. During the thirties however, Hawaiian music adopted more Tahitian styles.
However the following years witnessed a remarkable increase in the popularity of Hawaiian music with the rise of such musicians as Lani MacIntire and Sol Hoopii. The years between 1930 and 1960 are described as the golden years of Hawaiian music.
Hawaiian musical renaissance since 1970s
From the 1970’s Hawaii started to undergo a musical renaissance that was characterized by renewed interests in original Hawaiian music especially slack-key, among ethnic Hawaiians. This was combined with the genres of like indie rock, Hawaiian hip hop and Jawaiian. The tradition continues till date and the contemporary Hawaiian music combines both the influences of American popular music as well as the distinctive touches of Hawaiian melodies and rhythms.
Great importance of music of Hawaii
Hawaii without music is unimaginable. Most of the renowned hotels offer musical entertainment to their guests either in afternoon or in the evenings. But if you want to experience the true spirit of Hawaiian music, you should visit the islands during any of its major music festivals. Merrie Monarch Hula festival is regarded by many as the greatest musical festival of Hawaii that gives you opportunity of watching the performances of famous Hula troups from all over the wold. In addition to that Big Island Slack Key Guitar Festival, Steel Guitar Association Festival and the Gabby Pahinui/Atta Isaacs Slack Key Festival are also famous. You can also be a part of Moloka'i Music Festival that is held during Aloha Week in April. Moloka'i Music Festival held around Labor Day or Hawaii International Jazz Festival are also some of the events to watch for.
If you are a music enthusiast, you must visit Hawaii during these festival times! If you are not a music enthusiast of sort, then also you must come to this wonderful island to feel the ambience; you are sure to fall in love with this country and its people.