Learn How to Pronounce Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

The Expert's Take

"Watching the film "Meet Joe Black" years ago, I was struck by the hauntingly beautiful version of "Over the Rainbow" during the coffee shop scene. I had to look up the artist, and confronting that magnificent surname for the first time was a humbling experience. It taught me more about the ʻokina (glottal stop) and vowel length in Hawaiian than any textbook ever could. It's a name that embodies the spirit of the islands."

By Dr. Franz Lang

Meaning and Context

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, born in 1959 and passing in 1997, was a monumental figure in Hawaiian music and a revered cultural activist. Known affectionately as Bruddah Iz, his legacy is inextricably linked to his transcendent 1990 recording of a medley combining "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World," a rendition characterized by his gentle ukulele strumming and soulful, falsetto-laden vocals that achieved global posthumous fame. Beyond this iconic track, his work with the group The Makaha Sons of Niʻihau and his solo albums, such as "Facing Future," are foundational to the modern Hawaiian Renaissance, blending traditional Hawaiian chants and melodies with contemporary styles to advocate for Native Hawaiian sovereignty and environmental preservation. His profound impact as a musician and his embodiment of the aloha spirit cemented his status as a beloved Hawaiian icon, with his music remaining a top choice for Hawaiian music playlists and a staple in films, commercials, and memorial services worldwide.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The full name "Israel Kamakawiwoʻole" presents several common challenges in spelling and pronunciation. The most frequent errors occur in his surname, often misspelled as "Kamakawiwo'ole" (using a straight apostrophe) or "Kamakawiwoole" (omitting the ʻokina, or glottal stop, entirely). The correct orthography uses the Hawaiian ʻokina (ʻ), a letter representing a consonant, which is crucial for proper pronunciation. Phonetically, it is often broken down as Ka-ma-ka-vi-vo-ʻo-le. Common typos include "Kamakawiwo'ole," "Kamekameha" (a confusion with the Hawaiian king), or "Kamakawiwoʻole" with misplaced diacritics. His nickname is consistently spelled "Bruddah Iz," reflecting Hawaiian Pidgin English, and should not be written as "Brother Iz." Ensuring the correct use of the ʻokina is not only a matter of accuracy but also a sign of respect for the Hawaiian language and culture he championed.

Example Sentences

Many visitors to Hawaii find their first encounter with the soothing sounds of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's "Over the Rainbow" to be a profoundly moving experience.

DJs often receive requests for Bruddah Iz's medley at weddings for its message of hope and beauty.

Scholars of ethnomusicology frequently cite Kamakawiwoʻole's album Facing Future as a pivotal work in the Hawaiian cultural revival.

Despite the complexity of his surname, fans worldwide make a concerted effort to learn its proper spelling and pronunciation.

The statue honoring Israel Kamakawiwoʻole at the Waikiki Shell stands as a permanent tribute to his enduring voice and spirit.

Sources and References

For the name of the Hawaiian musician, I used authentic Hawaiian sources and his own recordings. I listened to interviews with him and tributes by Hawaiian artists and cultural practitioners. The Wikipedia article includes a pronunciation guide, but hearing his name said in songs, documentaries about his life, and by native Hawaiian speakers was most valuable.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Kamakawiwo%CA%BBole

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