Long before the first visitors arrived in Hawaiʻi, the original people of the ʻaina had a rich history in traditional Hawaiian folk music, comprised mostly of mele (chanting) along with ceremonial dancing (hula). In the ancient days, these types of performing arts were mainly used for religious events, entertainment and even honoring the ruling chiefs. Certain (oli) or chants sometimes contained kaona (or hidden meanings) and many of the performers of these oli used vocal inflections, sometimes to reflect a certain mood (akin to slam poetry) which arouses different emotions as well. When the first missionaries arrived in the islands, they brought with them their European music influences, including new instruments such as the guitar. Portuguese immigrants brought with them a "rajao", a 5-to-6 stringed instrument which was, in a sense, the precursor to the ʻukulele.
These days, the integration of various imported music cultures gave birth to contemporary Hawaiian music, infused with blues, soul, country, jazz, reggae and even Hip-Hop. Despite the heavy influence of outside music genres, the music still embodies the pure, positive messages of Hawaiian culture, educating the values of old Hawaiʻi neʻi in the process. It's important to preserve and support all local music, as it is with Hawaiian customs and practices, in order to save the best part for the keiki. To celebrate local music and musicians, we've put together a special Support Local Music pack which includes a photo tee and snapback. The front of the t-shirt features various photos of instruments in black and white, with Support Local Music written on the back. The Local is instilled with the Hawaiian flag. The mesh snapback features the same photos on the top and bottom of the brim, with Support Local Music in white raised stitching on the front, along with a top white button, crown and crest.
Shot at the iconic Waikiki Shell. Shout out to Reid Taira, drummer of Hawaii's own Humble Soul. You can follow him on Instagram (@Rydem) as well.
