Introducing Kamaka Fernandez
Winner of 2003 Richard Hoopii Falsetto Contest
Select the video clip below to see and hear
Maui's African American falsetto singer Kamaka Fernandez
performing with Aunty Genoa Keawe under the monkeypod tree in Maui's
historic Wailuku Town.
In 2003 Kamaka Fernandez finished in first place at the Aloha Festivals
Richard Hoopii Falsetto Singing Contest on the Island of Maui. In March
of 2008 he will release his first solo album on the Kealaokala Records
label.
Facts About Kamaka Fernandez
Full Name: Ryan Kamakakehau Fernandez
Winner of 2003 Richard Hoopii Falsetto Contest
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas
Adopted as a baby by Robyn Naeole and brought to Maui
Raised by Robyn and her brother Clifford Naeole
They raised him with Hawaiian traditions and culture
Teaches hula at a Senior Citizens Center in Wailuku Maui
Releasing his first solo CD in march of 2008
Wrote 10 of the 12 songs on the album
Learned to sing by imitating Richard Hoopii and Genoa Keawe
Records on Kealaokala Records
Aloha Festivals Hawaiian Falsetto Contest Winners, Vol 5
Of the twelve songs on this album, four are
performed by contest winner Kamaka Fernandez.
The album is no longer available at Amazon.com
but if you search the Web you can probably find it.
The songs on this album by Kamaka Fernandez are:
Haleakala Hula
Hanahano Olinda
He Ui
Puamana
Maui's Mystery Music Man
This February 2008 article on the Web site of KGMB-9 TV
announced that Kamaka Fernandez will release
his first solo CD in March of 2008.
DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT KAMAKA FERNANDEZ:
Kamakakehau: The Precious Gift
Bamboo Tree Productions produced this documentary
about young African American Kamaka Fernandez
who was born in Little Rock Arkansas and grew up
in the islands, immersed in Hawaiian culture. He
became one of the most promising Hawaiian style
falsetto singers, This was one of the films featured
at the June 15=19, 2005 Maui Film Festival in Wailea.
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