An advantage of being a fluent speaker of ‘Olelo Hawai’i, the Hawaiian language, is the ability write beautiful lyrics that win big prizes at the Kaua’i Composer’s Concert and Concert. D. Kamealoha Forrest, composed “Akulikuli” which won first place Monday
An advantage of being a fluent speaker of ‘Olelo Hawai’i, the Hawaiian language, is the ability write beautiful lyrics that win big prizes at the Kaua’i Composer’s Concert and Concert. D. Kamealoha Forrest, composed “Akulikuli” which won first place Monday evening competing against four others in the Hawaiian category at the Kaua’i Community College Performing Arts Center, according to a news release.
The song received the highest score by the judges, and swept all the advanced categories, including Lyrical Content, Commercial Potential, Hawaiian Language and Performer’s Award. The audience agreed and voted to give the song the people’s choice “Na Po’e” award, the release states.
Fifteen composer’s participated in the contest, including four in the professional category, where Ilima Rivera won first place for “E Ku Kanaka Me Ka Ikaika” that honors the strength of Hawaiian people.
For more information on the week-long Kaua’i Mokihana Festival and full updated schedule visit www.maliefoundation.org.
