Charles K. Kaupu Jr., a Maui kumu, chant teacher and performer, has died, a friend said. He was 53.

Alakai Paleka, KPOA radio program director and disc jockey, said she was told Kaupu died early Wednesday morning on Maui.

She described Kaupu as "a true Hawaiian master chanter" and "very charismatic."

KPOA, a Maui FM radio station where Kaupu worked in the late 1980s and ’90s as a program director and on-air personality, paid tribute Wednesday morning to Kaupu, who was known as "Bushman" to his listeners.

Kaupu was a founding member of the annual Celebration of the Arts Festival in Kapalua.

He traveled with the musical duo Hapa, and was recently featured with musicians Raiatea Helm and Keola Beamer at the 34th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards show.

Paleka said Kaupu also traveled extensively in Japan and worked at the Old Lahaina Luau.

Kaupu was a 1975 graduate of the Kamehameha Schools.

Services are pending.