Demetrius Palani Agosto, kumu hula of Namakalaniakamaluhia, received formal hula instruction from na kumu hula Ivalani Tseu, Mark Keali`i Ho`omalu, and Darrell Lupenui in his teenage years. After many years of being away from the Islands, Palani decided to take a break from traveling and began studying under kumu hula Frank Palani Kahala. It was Kahala who gave Palani his blessing to teach hula, and bestowed the name "Namakalaniakamaluhia" on Palani’s halau, which means "the eyes of heaven with peace."
Instructing his students to perform in the very same way he was taught, Palani believes he is fulfilling his calling as kumu; honoring those who have gone before him while passing on his knowledge to the next generation. |
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| Chants of the Islands is a combination of well-known traditional chants taught by all Halau Hula as well as original chants by Frank Palani Kahala. Songs:
Sound clips courtesy The Mountain Apple Company. |
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