Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 16, Number 8, 1 August 1999 — Nā Waihoʻoluʻuo ke Anuenue: "Together" [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Nā Waihoʻoluʻuo ke Anuenue: "Together"

BELLA AND Luisa Finau, joined by Gigi Ryder Paleka, breathe new life into the dormant Nā Wahiho'olu'u o ke Ānuenue, the eomho that formerly included FM 100's Lina Girl Naipo Langi, the wife of Vaihi's Sam Langi. The sound is fresh and contemporary,

and speaks to the young Hawaiian talent that abounds in this pae 'āina. The hlaek and white graphics offer a elean look to the group, whose name, ironically, means "the colors of the rainbow." This is a new beginning for Nā Waiho'olu'u that will undoubtedly flourish. With song lyrics absent in the CD packaging, it appears that the trio might be marketing themselves beyond Hawai'i. Instead of

providing background information on thel3 selections, they give credit on eaeh cut to the producer/ engineer and recording studio. Similarly, performer credits are given with Luisa as the lead vocahst, and Bella and Gigi singing back-up on every song.

Sudden Rush, the Hilo "pāleoleo" (Hawaiian rap) group, add their unmistakable inner city/reggae flavor to " Kaulana Nā Pua," whieh has reemerged as a virtual anthem for Native Hawaiians. Although it is credited as "traditional," it was composed by Ellen Kekoa'ohiwaikalani Wright

Prendergast, whose support for Queen Lili 'uokalani after the illegal overthrow continues to inspire today. Fiji's contribution, "Why You," co-composed with producer/engineer "Radical Rob" Onekea, has his vocal "stamp" that appeals in a bigway. "Why you wanna break my heart? Do tell me from the start, now that | 1 have found someone who sees me as I am." The opening Hawaiian chant-like pieee by Sudden

Rush's King Don Kawā'auhau and Producer Onekea, " E Ho 'ohui," says, "Here we are on this land. Live righteously and do what is proper. Don't forget the people of yesterday. Hawaiians, eome together, and arise." Great words to live by. ■