Hawaiian reggae music is often referred to as "Jawaiian" music: a fusion of Jamacian and Hawaiian reggae. English is Jawaiian's predominant language, it may also be partially or even fully in Hawaiian. According to Ku'ualoha Ho 'Omanawanui's article on Jawaiian music, "From Ocean to O-shen," she categorizes "Old School" Jawaiian music as the early 1980s to early 90s. For my playlist, I chose artists who were the first to mix the reggae sound with Hawaiian music. These Old School artists; Butch Helemano, Burddah Walter, Ho'aikane, and Kapena paved the way for New School artists. As the popularity of Jawaiian music spread, many of the popular New School artists hail from different parts of the Pacific. Though most artists are still from Hawaii there are a few like, Fiji, O-Shen, and Ooklah the Moc.
Jawaiian Music Playlist
1996-Robie Kahakalau-Pi'i Mai ka Nalu (Surf's Up)
1999-Butch Helemano- Only the Strong (Strictly Reggae)
2003-Bruddah Waltah- Sweet Lady of Waiahole
2004-Mana'o Company-Drop Baby Drop/Who Loves You Pretty Baby
2007-Typical Hawaiians- World Goes Round
2007-J Boog- Ganga Farmer
2009- Typical Hawaiians-
2010-The Green- Love I
2010-Ho'okoa- Ups and Downs
Some Traditionalist view Jawaiian music as a marker of the demise of traditional Hawaiian music, but Jawaiian music has become a form of expression that many can relate to. Jawaiian music is not exclusionary in the sense that many of the themes and lyrics pertain to everyday life. Traditional Hawaiian music, sung in Hawaiian, can sometimes be difficult for non- Hawaiian speakers to relate to. In turn Jawaiian music becomes, "Local" music, music for all kinds of Hawaiian people. According to Professor Stillman in the November issue of Honolulu Magazine, "It's expressing thoughts and sentiments that are relevant, in a musical language that is relevant."
Patois and Pidgin
When listening to many reggae songs here in Hawaii, I notice that many of the artists sing with a "Jamaican" or West Indian accent known as patois, while others have lyrics using Hawaiian Pidgin. A popular Hawaiian radio program on KTUH FM Honolulu called "Moku Vibes" featured a discussion about island culture and language in both the Pacific and the Caribbean. In Hawaiian, "moku" means island. This particular episode deals with comparing Hawaii Pidgin to Jamaican patois, and it was originally on April 29, 2008.
Example:
Mainland English: "He's the boss of the workers"
Hawaii Pidigin: "He da boss fo' da worka guys"
Jamacian Patois: "Him a di boss fi di worka dem"
You can listen to the original broadcast here.
If you like, check out Honolulu's Magazine Article on 100 Years of Hawaiian Music!
