ROOTS, REGGAE & RHYTHM. Dr. Sunaina Keonaona Kale, an ethnomusicologist and member of the Hawaiian diaspora, explores the connections between reggae music and her growing interest in her Hawaiian identity. The conversation traces how reggae found a home in Hawaiʻi and how its rhythms echo the islands’ own expansive sense of community and belonging. Sunaina shares her own path of reconnecting to her genealogy through fieldwork, family stories, and unintended (but helpful) “me-search.” The discussion dives into questions of identity, ancestry in Polynesia, India and Europe, and the evolving meanings of being Hawaiian in the modern world. This episode is an unfiltered exploration of how music can shape who we are and where we call home.Sunaina was recently featured in a University of California article about how reggae came to Hawaiʻi, exploring the evolution of the islands’ unique reggae sound and its deep cultural roots.She also appears in the documentary In Hawaiian Hands – Part 1, which highlights local voices and stories of connection to place and culture. Part 2 of the film was released recently.Favorite SongsIsland Music / Island Reggae / JawaiianBrother Noland – “Coconut Girl”Bruddah Waltah – “Hawaiian Lands”Nā Wai Ho‘olu‘u o Ke Ānuenue – “Girlie Girlie”Kapena – “Masese”Fiji – “Come on Over”Sean Na‘auao – “Fish and Poi”Three Plus – “Honey Baby”Natural Vibrations – “One on One”Anuhea – “Simple Love Song”J Boog – “Let’s Do It Again”Irie Love ft. Fiji – “It Is Wut It Is”Common Kings – “Wade In Your Water”Sons of Yeshua – “We Are Mauna Kea”Paula Fuga (with Jack Johnson) – “Country Road / Give Voice”Maoli – “Whiskey Doesn’t Work”The Vitals – “Kali Ana Au” (a Hawaiian-language cover of Bob Marley’s “Waiting In Vain”)Iam Tongi – “Cool Down”Underground RootsButch Helemano – “Joshua”Maacho – “Somebody Moved Me”Ooklah the Moc – “Hell Fire”Humble Soul – “Frequency”Ruff Neck Posse – “Down Inna Babylon”Episode Highlights00:00 – 🎙️ Meet Dr. Sunaina Kale01:10 – 🌊 Finding Home Across the Pacific01:47 – 🎶 Nerding Out on Identity & Sound05:15 – 🌺 Reggae With Aloha08:03 – 🎧 How Reggae Took Root11:14 – 💃 Favorite Jams & Behind-the-Scenes Stories22:41 – 🌱 Roots in Hawaiʻi, India and Europe, Belonging and Spirituality36:52 – 🤎 Reflections  
Credits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikListen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy - what makes your heart beat? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org

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