 And welcome to the Hawaii Smooth Jazz Connection. I am your host, Gwendolyn Harris. Today I am veering off track of Smooth Jazz and will be interviewing one of Hawaii's awesome talents as relates to Hawaiian music. If anyone could be described as having Hawaiian heart and soul is indeed my guest today, Kama Kehau Hernandez. Welcome to the show. And what I want to say is I didn't finish what all I had to say because I'm having issues right now today, but you have won many awards and you travel around the world. So I want people to know that. He's won many awards, a Nahuku Hano Hano Award. Very good, yes. I'm learning Hawaiian. Nahuku Hano Hano Award, which is like our Grammys. So I do want people to know that. But again, thank you for coming to the show. I am so excited. Like I said, I'm veering off of my Smooth Jazz. Let's get right on into this, our talking story. All right. So you were born in Little Rock, Arkansas. That is right. Your mom, she adopted you and brought you back to Maui. Yes, she did. You know, it was around that time. She wasn't able to have children naturally. So it became her heart's desire, which is what my middle name means, means the heart's desire. And, you know, she just wanted to give a home to a child and to be able to just love and embrace. And she had no idea who she was getting. This wasn't her side. I want that one. No, it was, I would say divine, divine happening. And I couldn't have asked for a better mom. So now how was it growing up as an African-American here in Hawaii? Well, growing up here in Hawaii, for me personally, has been, you know, when we're kids, we don't know better, you know? And so during my elementary days, it was, you know, I did go through some moments where kids were teasing me because I looked different, of course. You know, I mean, they don't know what to expect. And however, anything that I did in life, I was always embraced with open arms. And that's what Hawaii is. Hawaii is, you know, this word aloha that we use. Aloha is more than just hello, goodbye, and I love you. It means to be patient. It means to be kind, unpretentious, and unity. It's a way of being. And so this is what I was raised with here in Hawaii. Awesome. Now, you were a graduate of the Hawaii Language Program and fluent in Hawaiian language. You have a certain model. What's that model? My model. My model is... You're your model. I think, if I'm thinking correctly about the image, maybe it might be about the image, about the exterior and the interior. You have a model. So this is a newfound model, you know? Okay, okay. Years. As soon as I came out into the community as this Hawaiian or African American Hawaiian falsetto singer, you know, I just, over the years, I had to learn on how to cope with that and be, you know, in a sense kind of like put in a box. I'm just a human being, really, you know? Does it have to be the African American falsetto singer? It's, you know, but anyways, it is what it is. But this model that I say I'm polo exterior, so the polo is that word that we use. It's non-derogatory, but polo exterior and Hawaiian interior. Okay. I like that. I like that. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. I like that. Now you sing and you play the ukulele. So that's your instrument of choice. It is. What brought you to that? Well, you know, growing up in Hawaiian immersion, that is one of the requirements for us. Probably when I reached the fifth grade, so I was about six or seven. It was one of the requirements that we had to do. So that was my last year in elementary. Then I went on to intermediate and I put it away. I never played for those other three years. And then high school came along and then we have these song contests. Back then it was called Brown Begs to Stardom, Change to Star Quest. So I found fascination in that and more than I did with my academics, I should have been studying more, but I was singing and I actually consider myself to be a late bloomer when it comes to the style of falsetto singing. It was just one day I was on the school campus and I just, as simple as this sounds, but I just let out a big stretch and that technique that we use, what we call the ha'i, or the ha'i-ha'i for the men, it's ha'i for women. But the ha'i-ha'i got in there, just as I was stretching and I just kind of did like a yawn and ended up imitating that sound of the ha'i-ha'i because I heard Hawaiian music and I heard falsetto singers before. And someone heard me and they're like, hey, that was pretty good, it sounded good. Even though I'm like, okay, I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just stretching over here, making a sound. I didn't sing a note. And then we took a clash trip and that evening somebody had encouraged me to try and sing a certain song. And so I was like, okay, I'll just go ahead and try it. And I got encouraged and the rest became history. And where you are today, and where you are today. And in 2003, you won the falsetto contest. That's right, yes. Uncle Richard Holpe, one of Hawaii's renowned falsetto singers, but it was actually comprised of he and his brother, the Holpe brothers is what they were called and singing in that from Kahakulua village on the island of Maui. And so they named this contest after him and in fact, I actually tried out for Oahu. And at that time it was known as the Frank Bichain or falsetto contest, but I didn't know better. I didn't know what to put in. I didn't really know completely what falsetto or what they were looking for. So it's kind of weird. I heard it and now I can tell you I understand what it is and what I've heard. But back then it was OK, these people singing high and they're doing interesting stuff with their voice. So I'm going to try and imitate that. But I ended up submitting a song and I didn't make it for the Oahu one. And then a year later, Richard Holpe's falsetto contest. And this was 2003. This was my graduating year. And it was a happy one at that. Wow, wow. Now, you have worked and collaborated with many producers. And like I said, in 2013, you won your Nahuku Award. Yes. And tell us about that. Yeah, Nahuku Hanohano Award. I mean, it really puts a stamp on all of the hard work and the dedication that most of us artists put into putting ourselves out there, more than just a song. So we're putting ourselves out there and expressing to the highest power. So this first album that I put out is titled Vahe Mahalo, which means to give thanks. And I thought that would be the perfect song. I wrote a song, actually. It's a song that is titled after the album or became the title for the album. So I wrote a song first that was called Vahe Mahalo. And then the more I sang it, I realized this is actually a perfect homage to my life and what I've been raised with, my family. Giving thanks to my family, giving thanks to the education that I come from. Yeah, I just have to put out something. Continue. Yes. Yes, now, who would you like to collaborate with next? You've collaborated, like I said, with a lot of producers. Anyone in the world, anyone in the world, whether it's Hawaii or wherever, would you like? Yeah, I'm putting it out there. That's a big question, yes. Yeah, you never know. Who would you like to collaborate with? Who would I like to collaborate with? I would say Justin Timberlake, because he's got some falsetto going on. There's so many out there. If I had the privilege of working with Stevie Wonder, that would be incredible just to, you know, I actually, a lot of music that I listened to outside of Hawaiian music was Stevie Wonder music. Stevie Wonder. And it's funny you say that, because all of my guests, when I ask that question, is Stevie Wonder. Number one, yeah, of course. That is the number one person who they want to, you know, work with. Yeah, absolutely. Just to gain some kind of something from, you know, from him and his experience with me. Put it out in the universe, you never know. And they happen. Here it went. It may happen. Now, I know that you teach. Yes, I do teach. And what do you teach? Yucca Lele, you teach singing as well? Well, OK, so I'm not, I didn't go to school for singing. It really just comes from deep passion. So I don't consider myself to be a singing teacher. But I have kind of given some people some pointers as far as the falsetto. You know, you either got it or you don't. OK, but I mean, it's a challenge. It is a challenge. The things that I teach is just my technique of strumming or the style of strumming. Another thing would be language, being a graduate of Hawaiian language immersion program. You know, we're taught to perpetuate, you know? I mean, I think that should be anything in life, yeah? The things, the valuable things that help us become who we are, you know, it's to share where it's there for each other. Some things are, and some things aren't. But I think language, especially living out here in Hawaii, is something that should be shared for a better understanding of who the people of Hawaii is, who this China, you know, land that we live on. So I actually am starting classes soon. Well, in October, it's going to be at Highway Inn. It's a limited seating, so it's the best. I don't know when this is going to be aired, but if it should be aired before October, we'll be there. And I'm just continuing to share Hawaiian language, yeah. That is awesome and amazing. Now, what advice would you give, all right? Because you are an artist. Yes. So what advice would you give an artist, musician, especially the newer ones that are coming up today? Some of them make it, and some don't? Yes. So what would you say? What would you tell them? My humble advice would be to just be yourself and understand and know who you are and where you come from and not to be afraid of being different. Because that was the biggest thing for myself, is going out there, putting myself out there visually. We live in a visual society that they see one thing and don't expect what's going to come out of my mouth. And I just have to continue to stay strong in my faith and my teachings and share it with the world, because there's only one you. Well, we have to take a quick break. So don't go anywhere. We'll be right back. Hi, guys. I'm your host, Lillian Cumick, from Lillian's Vegan World. I come to you live every second Friday from 3 PM. And this is the show where I talk about the plant-based lifestyle and veganism. So we go through recipes, some upcoming events, information about health, regarding your health, and just some ideas on how you can have a better lifestyle, eat healthier, and have fun at the same time. So do join me. I look forward to seeing you and hello-ha. Hello, and welcome back to the Hawaii Smooth Jazz Connection. As I said earlier, I'm venering off of my smooth jazz today. And we are talking about Hawaiian music. And we have my guest, Mr. Kamake Hau, Hernandez. And I'm going to have him play us something right now. How about that? Sure. You want? Not at all. OK. Here we go. Thank you. Thank you. Himele lojina. Oh, my gosh, Jewish. Thank you so much. Such a beautiful voice. It's an original song. Actually, I wrote that for my first visit to Molokai. And we went there for a particular purpose. In a particular time of the year, we celebrate Makahiki. Makahiki has to do with the lunar phases and the stars and how they align. But it is a time of rest and fellowship for the Hawaiian people. And so what they would do is they utilize this time to learn. And they practice Hawaiian games. So they have things like hulu maika, which is there's a stone around stone that they go ahead and they compete against each other just to make that a little quicker. But basically, we were there. My classmates and I, and we had the privilege of visiting Halava Valley, which is on the east side of the island of Molokai. And there's beautiful waterfall there. And Palau is a scenic lookout point to a peninsula known as Kalaupapa. And in Kalaupapa, there's many people who have Parkinson's disease or leprosy. They were all kind of banded up to that part of the island. But it's a beautiful, beautiful place and was beautiful memory. So the song was born. That's a beautiful song. Thank you. Beautiful. And from such an amazing, amazing voice, I need to start following you more now. Thank you. Don't be my main stalker. Come talk. No, it's OK. Because I just love the Hawaiian culture and I love Hawaiian music as well. I love smooth jazz. I love all music. But I do love the Hawaiian culture. Now, before we went to break, I did ask you a question about what would you tell up-and-coming artists coming into this industry. Now, as you know, as they have music right now in some schools, they have music in the arts in the schools. But they are taking it out gradually but slowly, which I think is the wrong thing to do. But I want to know what your thought is on that. My opinion would be, it is very interesting. I mean, and I had in a previous conversation, I had brought up the fact that it's interesting to me that music is the first thing that they want to be rid of. And it's like I've played in the hotels for many years. And they still have music there, but it would be the first to go if it finances something. As far as the schools are concerned, the first thing that comes to my mind is that some people view it as being a distraction or disruptive or learning academics, the more important things and that society has told us that we need to do. You'd see that you need to be a doctor, you need to be a fireman. But being a musician or a singer wasn't up there. And I wish I had the answer to why they decide to pull out music. But I mean, I just think it's crazy. What do you think we can do, if anything, to try and keep it in our schools? Well, actually, there are many great programs that are happening here in Hawaii, especially something that I've worked with. It's called Mana Maui. And this particular group has collected, brought together all different artists of Hawaii. And we collaborate with some of the charter schools, especially they're starting with the charter schools. And they've built a mobile studio. Oh, wow. Yeah, so it can be stationed at the schools. And in fact, we just did a big shout out for people on the Mauna and those who support what's going on with Mauna Kea. They had a big jam session around the world. It went live. It went live and viral. And the wave is rising. And I think something is already being done, especially from Hawaii. And because of all of this commotion that's happening in Hawaii, I think it is bringing a lot of attention. So now is the time. If people feel that they have a platform, perhaps, and they want to make a difference, then step in. Step in. And it starts with us. Yes, it does. It really, it really does. If people want to hear more of your music and to find out more about you, where can they go? Do you have a website? Where can they go to find out more about you? I do. I do have a website. My website is kamakateho.com. And first, I'm a part of all the social media stuff. So KKF underscore music would be my Instagram. My Facebook is a little full. But you can like and follow me at kamakateho.ferlandes. And then through my website, actually, I'm usually posting my whereabouts of performing, usually, at Nikos. We have two locations. So one is in Kailua. And the other would be there in Pier 38. Pier 38, yes. So you hear that. If you want to find out more about my guests, I'm going to get this right before we leave here. Kamakateho. Kamakateho. There you go. That's the one. Kamakateho. I've got to say it slowly. You go to his website, go to Instagram, go to Facebook. And I know we all know how to find out people on Facebook and all these places, if we really want to find out about them. Now, I know that you do have performances all around. What's coming up next? What projects are you working on now? Oh, yeah. There are many projects. Besides this launch of Hawaiian language, it's a seven-week course of Hawaiian language that's happening at Highway Inn in October. Besides that, I am currently in studios working on some new music. It's always, we've got to do it. We've got to keep it going. Keep it going. We've got to keep it going. Also traveling. I'm over there heading to Japan very soon. And as well as I'm started with writing a children's book. Oh, nice. And it's going to have to do a lot with the meaning of hanae. OK. Or the Hawaiian word of hanae means adoption. Adoption. Yeah. And with that being said, I want to give a shout out to my family sending my love, because if it was not for these wonderful human beings raising me and teaching me all that I know I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing today. I know exactly what you're saying. Excuse me. Because when we spoke about this, I'm adopted as well. So it'd be nice to talk to you more. Yeah, absolutely. About that. Most definitely. But I want to thank you so much for being here on the show with me, for veering me off track. Because sometimes we need that. And to learn about wonderful people like yourself with that amazing voice. Thank you. People, please go check Mr. Kama Kakehau. Yes. Fernandez out. Because I will definitely be around checking him out. Check him out on the website. Like I said, Facebook, Instagram. Check him out. I also wanted to thank you. Thank you for providing this platform and all of the behind the scenes for. Oh, no problem. Hands for this program, thank you so much. I'm just so glad that you could be here. I'm just so glad you could be here. Because for me, everything is a learning experience as well. Absolutely. I'm always learning, constantly learning about something. And when I found out about you and learned about you, it's like, ooh. Yeah. And not being afraid to dive in. Yes. I know at first I was, but you know, hey. Yeah, just give them. You know who did that. But thank you all for watching me here on the Hawaii Smooth Jazz Connection. And again, thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Kamakake Hau. Mahalo, yes. That's what I'm doing. Sound it out. Sound it out. Thank you for joining me here on this show. Until next week, everyone. Or until 2x, I should say. Aloha and God bless.