Auckland Arts Festival 25 Presents
INDIGENOUS MUSIC ON THE MOVE
Kulāiwi and Kaumakaiwa

This talented collective of award winning, talented performers, singers, songwriters, composers and cultural leaders was formed to connect kānaka (Native Hawaiians) to ‘āina (land) through mele (songs), the thread that binds the continuum of cultural knowledge. Soaring vocals, island harmonies, a folk vibe, and fun ‘talk story’ have won Kulāiwi four Hawaiian Grammys including Group of the Year, for their first album, Native Lands.

Award-winning singer and riveting performer Kaumakaiwa, from the renowned Kanakaʻole family, seamlessly melds Hawaiian culture and modern sensibilities in deeply powerful music and chant. A modern Hawaiian, she is a vibrant keeper of culture, and at the same time, an authentic innovator.