Māhealani Uchiyama wants to reclaim the Hawaiian word pōpolo. The black tinged berry, recognized for its medicinal properties, is found through the Hawaiian islands and across wider Polynesia. But too often, it can be used as an insult for locals of African descent.
For more than two years now, Uchiyama has been working on a project called Pōpoloheno: Songs Of Resilience And Joy, which honors the history of this small, yet mighty community. Herself an award-winning choreographer, dancer, musician, producer, and one of very few Kumu Hula (hula teachers) with African lineage, Uchiyama secured funding from the Gerbode Foundation, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, and even the National Endowment for the Arts (before that grant was rescinded by the current administration). She collaborated with historians, sociologists, language experts, epistemologists, and other cultural consultants to record 10 songs honoring 10 different African Americans who positively impacted Hawaiian history, culture, and innovation.
Additionally, she gathered an impressive collective of musicians to help bring Pōpoloheno to life. While some of the songs hew closer to oral history or spoken word (“A Lei For Reverend King,” “He Mele Awaiaulu”), others explore the breadth of music in modern Hawai’i: “Pua Laulele,” for example, is a swaying, upbeat song marked by traditional ukulele strums and Ikaika Blackburn’s dulcet singing, whereas “Ka Momi Hiwahiwa” features Patrick Landeza's slack key guitar playing.
Three-time Grammy award-winning ukulele player and songwriter Kalani Pe'a, whose record Kuini won Best Regional Roots Music Album earlier this year, also joins Uchiyama on Pōpoloheno. Both artists answered questions about this fascinating, vital musical document without even needing to build up to “the deep end,” as this series suggests; they got deep with No Depression immediately, fearlessly discussing challenging topics like colonialism and discrimination, while proudly uplifting voices that have yet to be heard.
Responses from Uchiyama and Peʻa have been edited for length and clarity.