In this episode of the Afro Aloha Podcast, host Amy Benson sits down with Kamakakēhau (Kamaka) Fernandez, a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning artist.
Born in Arkansas and adopted at 2 months old into a Native Hawaiian family, Kamaka made his way to Hawaii and was raised on the island of Maui. He shares his unique story of being black and growing up immersed in Hawaiian culture.
Kamaka was raised during the Hawaiian Renaissance, a cultural movement in the 1970s that sparked a resurgence of Native Hawaiian language, music, hula, and political activism.
The Hawaiian Renaissance was a response to the effects of colonization, including the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 and the banning of the Hawaiian language in schools. This movement reclaimed cultural identity, giving rise to a new generation of artists, musicians, and scholars dedicated to preserving and revitalizing their heritage.
Kamaka, growing up in the wake of this movement, was deeply influenced by its impact, shaping his artistry and commitment to the Hawaiian language and music.
In this conversation, Kamaka shares his journey of growing up Black in a Hawaiian household, learning the language, and becoming a recognized voice in the islands. He reflects on the intersection of his identities, the power of cultural pride, and how his philosophies, practice of Aloha, and his art serves as a bridge between past and present.
This episode is presented by Afro Aloha, Hawai'i's cultural hub for black locals and travelers.
Website: www.afroaloha.com
Afro Aloha IG: www.instagram.com/afroaloha
Afro Aloha Podcast IG: www.instagram.com/afroalohapodcast
Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/afroalohapodcast
Follow Kamaka on IG:
www.instagram.com/kkf_musicn_more
This episode was filmed on The Vida Mia Yacht located in Honolulu, HI. To book a sunset or fireworks cruise, visit www.thevidamia.com. Use promo code afroaloha at checkout for additional savings. For private charters, contact The Vida Mia directly. Be sure to mention Afro Aloha sent you to receive special offers.