Koke'e the Song

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I have loved the song, Koke'e, since it was released in 1996.  I've loved it ever since, and my kids heard it a lot while they were growing up.  
 
1996 happened to be the same year I was in Hawai'i the first time around.
 
The composer was The Reverend Dennis David Kahekilimamaoikalanikeha Kamakahi (March 31, 1953 – April 28, 2014).  A beautiful soul.
 
For me the song shares an inimitable spirit.  It speaks of the communion between humanity and a specific place, Koke'e, on the island of Kauai. 
 
It is a love song.  Not to a person.  But rather to the 'aina, and one with a unique character.  We will return to this theme in Hawaiian art (music included) on many occasions.
 
The song joined a host of other Hawaiian songs that truly SHARE the aloha of this place, this culture, this land.
 
This past week, I was invited to join with a local Waipahu-area volunteer band (The Happy 'Ohana) as a singer.   We performed for a group of seniors.
 
One of the songs we sang was Koke'e.  
 
I will admit.  I had tears of joy.  
 
To be in this land, singing with local musicians (who have become friends), one of my favorite songs.  Well, the experience touched me deeply.
 
If you'd like to see Dennis perform the song, click here
 
If you'd like to learn how to play the song on 'ukulele, click here
 
Kalalau Valley, Kauai (Part of Koke'e Park)
 


Comments

  1. Tony Baker MusicMarch 11, 2025 at 3:04 AM

    I enjoyed the musical performance and think I got the specialness of it.

    ReplyDelete

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