The History of the Ukulele

Ukulele

An evolution of the Portuguese string instrument the braguinha and the cavaquinho of Brazil, the ukulele has many stories of origin. The most commonly shared story is the arrival of the Ravenscrag in 1879 when after a more than 4-month journey, Portuguese immigrant Joao Fernandes celebrated their arrival by playing the braguinha. The Hawaiian people were intrigued by the music and Fernandes’ swift strumming that they described it as a “jumping flea” or uku (flea) lele (to jump).

Photo credit: Laurie Cicotello

My favorite story though, and one that I believe would be more aligned with the Hawaiian culture is the translation by Queen Lili’uokalani that ukulele means “the gift that came here.”

By 1884, three instrument makers – Augusto Dias, Jose do Espirito Santo and Manuel Nunes – opened their shops for business to meet musicians’ demands for ‘ukulele. – HawaiiHistory.org

Since its introduction at the harbor, the ukulele has infused itself into the local entertainment culture. Played by King David Kalakaua, its melody continues to inspire hula dancers hips to sway to and fro.

Manufacturers continue to design ukulele in four different sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.

Here’s a list of ukulele manufacturers in Hawaii:

• Kamaka Ukulele
• KoAloha
• Island Ukulele
• K.P. Ukulele
• Ukuleles by Kawika
• Kanile’a Ukulele

Popular ukulele artists:

• Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
• Bill Tapia
• Jake Shimabukuro
• Herb Ohta, Sr.
• Kawai Cockett

The popularity and the talent of the ukulele has gone global, Hawaii Traditions will continue to run a series on everything about the ukulele.

Enjoy the video below of the late Israel Kamakawiwo’ole as he strums and declares, E ala E.