In Hawaiian Hands: The Story of Reggae in Hawai‘i – Part II: Jawaii Examines Jawaiian Music

Mana‘o Company performing for PBS Hawai‘i in 1991. Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

When reggae music first arrived in Hawai‘i from Jamaica, it didn’t just bring a beat; it brought a spirit and a movement. Something about the rhythms, the music and the lyrics rooted in struggle and pride resonated with the people of Hawai‘i. It wasn’t long before reggae became a familiar sound across backyards, community gatherings and radio waves. How did this music born out of Jamaica’s fight for identity become so deeply woven into Hawai‘i’s musical fabric?

Billy V, radio and television personality. Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

That is the story PBS Hawai‘i tells with In Hawaiian Hands: The Story of Reggae in Hawai‘i, a two-part documentary series that explores not only how reggae arrived here, but also how it shaped and evolved our local music culture. The first episode, Roots of Creation, launched in March. It followed reggae’s early days in Hawai‘i, the backstory, how it took root here in the state and how it sparked a subtle shift in the island’s contemporary sound.

Thailiana Aipolani (center), wife of entertainer Bruddah Waltah, shares stories of her husband with his granddaughters Liana Ninamoto (left) and Anaiya Soares (right). Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

Now, in Part II: Jawaii, the journey continues, stepping into the late ’80s and early ’90s, a pivotal time when local musicians began to make reggae their own. They added slack key and ukulele. They sang about their own stories, making it their own. This transformed reggae music became something entirely new: Jawaiian music.

Kumu hula and teacher Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

While some praised Jawaiian music, others criticized it. Some loved it. Others pushed back. Was it cultural appreciation or appropriation? Did this musical fusion threaten the preservation of Hawaiian culture or help it evolve? In Hawaiian Hands: The Story of Reggae in Hawai‘i – Part II: Jawaii answers these questions.

In Hawaiian Hands: The Story of Reggae in Hawai‘i – Part II: Jawaii

Monday, June 30, 4:30 p.m.

Exclusively streaming on pbshawaii.org and YouTube

SEE ALSO: PBS Hawai‘i Presents In Hawaiian Hands: The Story of Reggae in Hawai‘i

Every month, HONOLULU publishes a blog written by the folks at PBS Hawai‘i, the only locally owned, statewide television station in Hawai‘i that receives support mainly through donations. Visit pbshawaii.org to learn more about exceptional, locally produced shows and the most prominent provider of educational and national programming. Explore music and the arts, discover in-depth documentaries and learn what makes Hawai‘i so special. Follow PBS Hawai‘i on all platforms: @pbshawaii