Today I'm just throwing out a bunch of different interpretations of one of my favorite Hawaiian songs, Kawika.
Professor Amy K. Stillman (Grammy award-winning ethnomusicologist at University of Michigan who studies Hawaiian music) has a wonderful blog post about this song. I won't go nerdy on you and repeat what she says and dig deep into it, but it's fascinating–if you're interested, take a look. “Kawika” is Hawaiian for David, and we presume the David in question is King David Kalakaua, the “Merrie Monarch” who helped revive Hawaiian culture back in the later 1800s. Kawika probably dates back to his coronation, and is further modernized and expanded over the years. Here are some great versions, both video and audio-only:
Sunday Manoa, featuring the very youthful Cazimero Brothers in the early 1970s, with their groundbreaking album, Guava Jam:
And then in 1991, the Cazimeros update the sound:
And last, this very playful rendition, live on stage. I have no idea who this group is, where the venue is, and it's listed as comedy–the audience occasionally bursts into laughter–I wonder if it's because they've taken the venerable old song and turned it into a Hamilton-style rap show tune? It's brilliant:
(image credit to Professor Amy K. Stillman for her scan of the Noble music page featuring Kawika)
Hi — the performer in the last video clip is Kealiʻi Reichel and dancers from his Hālau o Keʻalaokamaile. The audience is laughing at the arrangement, which is a homage to cutting-edge kumu hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu.
Hi Dr. Stillman, thank you so much for jumping in here and clarifying! I love Keali’i Reichel and wish I could have been there to share the moment!
Your work and blog are such an important contribution. I was born and raised in Hawai’i but took all of the music and culture for granted. I wish we had been taught more in school so that I could share more, but blogs like yours help fill the gap. The internet is a great tool for cultural awareness.