David Kamakahi
Ukulele Player, Ukulele Instructor, Producer, Recording Artist
David Kamakahi started playing ukulele at the age of 15, jam sessions with friends during his years at Kamehameha Schools playing music during lunch and after school. Self taught, David learned ukulele by listening to countless recordings of Hawaiian Music along with the recordings of ukulele masters Eddie Kamae, Peter Moon, Lyle Ritz, Byron Yasui,Troy Fernandez,and Ledward Kaapana. Upon graduating, David was awarded the Pono Beamer Award for excellence in the field of Hawaiian Music from Kamehameha Schools
Only playing for a year David was asked to record with his father Reverend Dennis Kamakahi on the Dancing cat label album "Ohana" under producer George Winston. After the release of Ohana, David toured the US and Japan before recording another album for Dancing Cat "Hui Aloha" with father Dennis, Martin Pahinui, and George Kuo.
After Hui Aloha disbanded, David joined "Na Oiwi" a Hawaiian Contemporary group with father Dennis, Mike Ka'awa, and Jon Yamasato. After 2 albums, "Crossroads" and "The Sequel,"
David later began touring and teaching ukulele in Hawaii and on the Mainland. He has also been featured on albums with many of Hawaii's great artists (see discography) such as Jon Yamasato and Justin Young, Keahiwai.
After Na Oiwi disbanded. David went back to college and graduated from Leeward Community college in 2005 with a degree in Liberal Arts while also recording his first solo album "Pa'ani" with his father Dennis Producing. Later that same year "Pa'ani" won the Na Hoku Hanohano Award (The Hawaiian Grammy) for Best Contemporary Album.
David along with his father were featured on the Disney animated film "Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch has a Glitch" on the song "Always" written by Jeanne Tesori and Alexa Junge, Hawaiian translation by Dennis Kamakahi. On sale in the Online Store!!!
In 2007, David was nominated for the Grammy Awards for his contribution to the album "Slack Key Kings" under Rhythm and Roots records.
In 2009, David has founded his record label "Trick Bag Records" and will be releasing his second solo album "Shine" in April 2009.
on sale now in the Online Store!!!
