Keali’i Reichel is a bestselling singer, songwriter, choreographer, dancer, chanter, and a very distinguished personality from Hawaii. He is one of the most notable performers from Hawaii and this is because his style of music and dance is different and makes statements wherever he performers at.
Keali’i has not only carved and distinguished himself from other artists from his region he has also made a conscious effort to leave a lasting legacy and impact in the world through his arts. This he achieves effortlessly and amazingly and all because he has put in so much work into learning and practicing to be the widely celebrated unique performer he is today.
Keali’i Rechiel’s music includes vocals of Hawaiian and English languages over a guitar, bass, local, and mix of international strings all blending beautifully.
What Is Keali’i Reichel’s Background Like?
Keali’i Reichel was born in 1962. He was born and raised on Maui Island in Lahaina town. He is the first son of his parents who were Hawaiian and German. His mother was Hawaiian while his dad was German. His full name is Keali’inani’aimokuokalani Reichel but for sake of ease, he shortened it to ‘Keali’i Reichel’.
Keali’i spent part of his early childhood which includes weekends and summer in Pa’ia with his maternal grandmother as was common in Hawaiian culture at the time and this was where he began to learn the deep cultures and values of his people.
He attended Lahainaluna High School and studied under Peter Day. At age 17, he was studying the Hawaiian language at the University of Hawaii and this was the point he took up chanting. However, he did not follow this up with formal teachings until he was 26 years old where he had to learn under a hula teacher and master chanter named Pualani Kanaka’ole Kanahele who was the daughter of a Hawaiian scholar and teacher named ‘Aunty’ Edith Kanaka’ole.
These investments into learning more about his people, their culture and values, and also music and dance led him to be who he is today.
10 Interesting Facts About Keali’i Reichel
1. Keali’i Reichel Is A Scholar And Teacher
Keali’i has grown to become one of those he studied under and looked up to and he most people dare to say he is even better than his teachers and mentors. He has taken to teaching music, dance, chants, and Hawaiian cultures and values to the younger generations so they do not lose their cultures and traditions.
He has taught ‘Culture and Language’ at the University of Hawai’i, and Maui Community College. He also served as the ‘Cultural Resource Specialist and Curator’ in Bailey House Museum, Wailuku.
2. He Has His Own Hula School
Reichel was one of the founding fathers of a Hawaiian language immersion pre-school called the ‘Punana Leo O Maui’. After learning under Pualani, he began to discover his voice and nuances and how to manipulate his voice to bring out desired emotions, he thought it wise to pass on the knowledge he had gotten.
3. Keali’i Reichel Was Convicted At The Age Of 24
Keali’i was convicted of theft at the age of 24 and he was sentenced to community service. This sentence included him attending classes on the study of Hawaiian culture and values.
4. Reichel Was Reluctant About A Career In Music
He was initially a shy public performer and so restricted showcasing his talent to just an audience consisting of his family and close friends. As such, Keali’i was reluctant about pursuing a career in the performing arts especially music.
5. His First Album Was An Accident
Keali’i produced a collection of traditional Hawaiian and contemporary music for his small audience of friends in 1994. However, this collection titled ‘Kawaipunahele’ (The Favorite Waters) was released shortly afterward and sold over 300 copies. This was at the time, the most successful album in the history of Hawaiian music. Subsequently, he released other albums that continued to put him high up the landmark.
6. He Formed A Back-up Band
With the success of his first album, the pressure from fans and music lovers began to intensify and the need to form a band, with which he could perform his song, grew.
Keali’i agreed to make his fans happy and so formed a backup band. His first performance with his band saw him playing before an audience of 10,000 fans. When he plays with his band or a group, he always produces magic and fans love to watch him perform.
7. Keali’i Reichel’s Tours And Collaborations
Reichel signed a contract with JVCKenwood Victor Entertainment Corporation in Japan which is a subsidiary of JVCKendwood that produces and distributes all forms of entertainment in Japan. He has toured the United States, Japan, South Pacific and has opened for a lot of renowned acts like Bonnie Raitt and international artist, CELINE Dion.
Reichel’s music has been on Billboard Magazine’s World Music Chart placement consistently and has earned a lot of international recognition.
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8. He Strongly Believes In His Tie To Hawaii
Reichel believes that he has a strong tie to his Hawaiian roots and that when he isn’t in Hawaii, his ‘mojo’ isn’t really top-notch. He believes most of his inspiration comes from his environment in Hawaii.
9. Reichel’s Goals And Objectives
Owing to the fact that he is well-traveled and has heard what people think about where he hails from and his background, Keali’i has taken it upon himself to counter the popular beliefs amongst foreigners that Hawaii is an archaic land.
He has spent his life educating the world through his music and dance on Hawaiian culture as well as changing the stereotype and narrative that in Hawaii, they still run about naked and all other barbaric thoughts the world had. He proves that Hawaii has a rich cultural heritage and value.
10. Keali’i Reichel’s 2021 Tour
Keali’i Reichel has announced a tour slated for 2021; October of 202. This tour is to select areas in North America and a lot of fans and lovers of his music have been excited because they will get to see Keali’i perform on stage once again.
