Music is the life of local artist Makepa. Since 1972, Makepa performed at various venues throughout Kaua’i: from strumming his ‘ukulele in the old Kaua‘i Surf days to performing live at Shutters Lounge today, Makepa did it and saw it
Music is the life of local artist Makepa. Since 1972, Makepa performed at various venues throughout Kaua’i: from strumming his ‘ukulele in the old Kaua‘i Surf days to performing live at Shutters Lounge today, Makepa did it and saw it all.
I first caught up with Makepa at the Kaua’i Music Festival Songwriters Conference. He was in the lobby of the Kaua’i Beach Resort with his signature flower in his ear, greeting guests with a charming smile and his lovable and always exuberant aloha spirit. “Whateva you boys need,” he said to my friend and I, “no hesitate fo’ ask.” His willingness to conduct an interview with the Kaua’i Times was a surprise to him, but he was ever humbled and agreed to an interview after he performed in front of a live and packed crowd at Shutters Lounge on Tuesday evening.
Kaua’i Times: When did you start your musical career?
Makepa: I started my musical career when I was 14. I opened up for Paradise Pacifica playing drums and bass back in 1972. After that I was selected to host a Polynesian show in Japan for six months. That started off my traveling and music career.
KT: In terms of venues on Kaua’i, where have you performed?
Makepa: I’ve entertained at almost every single hotel on the island. From the days of the Hanalei Plantation, at the age of 16, and worked with various Polynesian shows and halaus. You name it, I did it.
KT: What got you into music?
Makepa: Music was the inspiration of my mom. That’s how I started my career as an entertainer. I want to point out that I worked on the river tours for 27 years. The river tour started from Wai‘ale‘ale then went into Smith’s boats. Back in those days, in order to make money on the river boats, you had to play guitar, but I only played ‘ukulele at the time. I thought it would be impossible because I’m left handed, and it took a lot of practice for me to master the guitar. The guitar was the last instrument I learned.
KT: How has entertainment changed for you since you first started?
Makepa: The best thing I did as an entertainer was to break away from playing with shows and groups. Becoming a soloist was the best thing for me. It is easier to land a gig, and the pay scale is better. Being a backup in a band for many years, doing the “oohs,” the “ahhs,” the “lalalas” I call it, singing the harmony — harmony is my passion — is good, but I realized in order to be an established leader, you gotta be a good follower. From the beginning of my career until now, timing is everything. It’s like a flower. When the flowers blooms, it’s not the last bloom. There’s one more bloom: the spiritual bloom. That’s where I’m at, so the music that I share — or anything I do in life — is from the soul.
KT: How busy are you nowadays?
Makepa: This is the busiest I’ve been in my life. I didn’t think it would come to this level. All of a sudden it is culture that attracts people. Everyone is looking for culture now. I’m old school, so all of my mentors and influences groomed me to provide culture to the people I entertain.
KT: Who are some of your mentors?
Makepa: There was a minister by the name of Hutch Kekoa. His nature was to accept anyone in his life with open arms — from strangers to friends — like he’s known them his entire life, so I use that when I meet people. Regardless of who you are, we’re family. That’s the kind of nature that I have.
Listen to the music of Makepa at Shutters Lounge, located at the Kaua’i Beach Resort on 4331 Kauai Beach Dr. in Lihu‘e every Monday and Tuesday from 7 to 10 p.m.
