We are pleased to announce that Nā Kama has won their first ever Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award! At this year's Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, Nā Kama's latest release, Kamakolu, garnered multiple nominations in the Haku Mele category (best original composition released for the first time): "Nani Wale Mānoa," written by Eric Lee, "‘Āina Wehi O Mā‘ili," written by Eric Lee, and "Ku‘u Pua Lovely," written by Hailama Farden.
Kenneth Makuakāne, multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and leader/founder of Hawaiian music group, The Pandanus Club, comments, "...three nominations for Haku Mele, that's very impressive."
"Although we didn't win for Haku Mele category, still just to be counted among the finalist is a great honor," says Eric Lee. "Hailama also noted that he doesn't remember any other artist who had all three entrees submitted for consideration, all make it to the final ballot! I couldn't believe it!"
Last year's Hōkū Award Winning group, Holunape, presented the award for excellence in Hawaiian Language performance on an album. The nominees were: Amy Hanaiali‘i (Generation Hawai‘i), Ho‘omālie (Only You), Nā Palapalai (Ka Pua Hae Hawai‘i), Keali‘i Reichel (Maluhia), ‘O Wai Lā (Wehiwehi Hawai‘i), Keali‘i Blaisdell (Keeping It Traditional), and Nā Kama (Kamakolu).
When Holunape read in unison, "Nā Kama - Kamakolu," there was a definite shock that went through Brian, Danny, and Eric. "There was at least a 10 second spot of silence on our table," says Danny Naipo. "No one could believe what just happened!"
"This was so unexpected," adds Brian Mersberg. "I kept exclaiming out loud: Wow! Wow! We won!"
"I almost fell out of my chair," jokes Eric Lee. "I've never imagined myself standing on the other side of that podium giving a speech. I was always the dreamer looking from the audience. I was very light-headed when I stepped up on the stage to receive the award with the guys."
Brian, Danny, and Eric all share the same joy and are very humbled to be considered among all the other Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners. Nā Kama thanks everyone who have supported their music over the years and expresses their deepest appreciation, gratitude, and heartfelt aloha.
On behalf of Brian, Danny, and Eric, Nā Kama would like to especially thank the following people:
- The Mākaha Sons (Moon, John, and Jerome)
- Hailama Farden
- Milan Bertosa and Maya Perry
- Kit & Gerry Ebersbach, Mollie & Max Ebersbach, and Pacific Music Productions
- Kaha‘i Topolinski
- Sharlene Oshiro & Associates
- Kawikanui Kahele and the Kahele ‘Ohana
- The Mersberg, Naipo, and Lee ‘Ohana
And to all of our extended families and friends, we thank you!
