“NA MOKU O HAWAI‘I”
Kamaka Camarillo (Self-published)
The integration of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, hip-hop and R&B with Hawaiian island themes continues with the release of this sweet and smooth song by Maui-born multi-instrumentalist Kamaka Camarillo. The title may confuse folks from outside the islands — it translates as “Islands of Hawai‘i” — but Camarillo’s soulful crooning, the seductive harmonizing heard behind him, and multi-layered instrumental arrangements transcend any language barriers. Camarillo is ready for prime time play nation-wide.
Not only does the musical arrangement meet national standards but most of the experiences Camarillo describes in the lyrics are shared by people everywhere — love of home, love of treasured family members, the beauty of a sunset. Camarillo also makes reference to the ocean, and when the chorus softly murmurs the words “na moku o Hawai‘i,” the connection with Hawaii is made.
“Na Moku O Hawai‘i” is a preview of Camarillo’s upcoming album, which he plans to release later this spring. Based on the work that Camarillo and his writing partner, Kehau Culhane, have done with “Na Moku O Hawai‘i,” the album will establish him as an artist to watch and welcome.
Visit kamakacamarillo.com.
“WAITING FOR THE SUNRISE”
Brad Kawakami with Alx Kawakami and Laine Tominaga (No‘eau Productions)
One constant of our government’s foreign policy is that American military personnel are deployed on many fronts and in many nations — sometimes as welcome allies, sometimes not. Wherever they are sent, the men and women of the armed forces accept the risks. Brad Kawakami, a former member of the Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning band Pali, partnered with Liana Tominaga and Manoa DNA alumnus Alx Kawakami (a distant relative) to create this song honoring service personnel and the families who wait for their return.
The lyrics describe the home front experience of watching a loved one leave for the front, not hearing from them for days or weeks, and then welcoming their return — wounded but alive.
The sentiment is timeless. The musical arrangement would fit nicely on contemporary country music stations here and across the nation.
Kawakami is donating a portion of the proceeds from the sales of this download-only single to Disabled American Veterans, a nonprofit charity that provides support for veterans of all generations and their families (dav.org).
“Waiting for the Sunrise” is available for download on iTunes and CDBaby.
