Alice Namakelua

"Auntie" Alice Namakelua (1892-1987)
Kupuna, Entertainer, Composer. Often times when I see lyrics or sheet music, I think that the writers and composers are faceless characters of ancient history. This is a posting to show that Hawaiian music as we know it today is a fairly young art and many composers were still alive and kicking in our lifetime. NOTE:Yes, that is "Auntie" Genoa Keawe singing in this clip.

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• Alice
• Namakelua
• Hawaiian
• music
• composer

[alohamode]

Mahalo nui!

I appreciate all of your contribution.

They are the real hulu kupuna!

[kawika96797]

I am glad you enjoy these. Mahalo

[profhummingflowah]

The slack key part in the first part of the video sounds like she's playing her famous "14 Figures". I didn't know it had words though. When was this video taken? I remember going to one of her big birthday parties, I think at Bishop Museum, but I don't remember her being ambulatory then. Great video, thanks for posting it.

[kawika96797]

This was circa 1981. I have the exact date written down somewhere, but I have to find it.

[wjc1952]

This is about a precious a treasure as can be found. This is something that needs to be cherished. Thanks for making something like this available for us to watch. This is a great part of history.

Mahalo nui loa,

Wanda

[deviantbadger]

Wow! Kupaeanaha! She was my grandpa's, George K. Spencer, cousin. I only met Aunty Alice a couple times as a kid, she was very kolohe, but strict if acted up! Mahalo for this! I am 49 yrs old and it took me back to small kid times at my Tutu's house in Mo'ili'ili.

[99iwaena]

I'm so glad I came across this video of Aunty Alice, she was my kumu, and one tough and "VERY" strict lady, you don't want to Fup with her, she'll bring hell on you! I liked the way she played ki'ho alu & sing, especially Ka Manu. So fluent in the Hawaiian language, she really made an impact on my life, I haven't thought of her in a very long time, but, seeing this video, brought back allot of memories of Aunty Alice! Oh yeah!...with Aunty mis-pronounce any hawaiian word, guarantee "cracks"

[koloheboy76]

Aunty Alice taught me alot about how Important it was to pernounce da words corectly and too sing it with PONO!! I will never forget her strictness about Being Hawaiian, and a good representaion of our Culture A Hui Ho Aunty

[Kaaeamoku]

anyone know the name of the song Aunty Alice is singing?

[PowderSpirit3]

mahalo moi ohana VINTAGE !!!

i wish i could post photos here to share with you - i have a pic i took with just a regualr old camero of "auntie" .. of course i ask permission fist as most elders feel that some of the spirit is taken when a photo is taken - and to offer her my respect - as graceful as she was she smile and said of "course you may" - afterwards all i could say wasn "Auntie you are simply lovely " - and she was :)))

[emkaylua]

This performance was probably held at BYU--Hawaii in March, 1980. The event was called "Na Makua Mahalo Ia".  It was organized by Ishmael Stagner, to honor all the remaining Hawaiian music legend entertainers, and composers. Other notables honored that night were Bill Lincoln, Mary Kawena Pukui, John Almeida, Alvin Issacs, Iolani Luahine and Edith Kanakaole.

[likopuha]

Incredible footage. I had only seen pictures of her before.

Mahalo palenaʻole iā ʻoe e Kāwika,

Liko