Two Musical Cultures, Two Pieces

Hawaiian music and Sub-Saharan African music come from very different musical cultures – not only do they originate from opposite sides of the world and separate continents, but they use very different musical techniques, styles, purposes and instruments as well. Hawaii, part of the oceanic musical culture, has remained a relatively unique and isolated musical scene. Although the state is very small and technically a part of the United States, it is influenced by North American, Asian, and Oceanic cultures, and has developed a distinct musical culture. Traditional Sub-Saharan African music is very diverse because of the many tribes and languages, but has also grown into a distinct musical culture of its own. The two music pieces being investigated in this musical links project will be “Ku Mai Ka Kali’a”, by Hi’ikua, and “Waka”, by Mustapha Tettey Addy. Although both pieces were composed and recorded relatively recently (“Ku Mai Ka Kali’a” was released in 2011, “Waka” in 2010) by composers that are still alive today, both artists explore and emulate traditional music of their musical culture (1, 2).