Oli is….
Art of Hawaiian Chanting, it is an essential part to the way of life in Hawai’i. Through various Mele and Pule, Oli was performed everyday and by everyone. There are different types of genre and styles of oli, such as a Mo‘okuauhau performed in the Oli Kepakepa style, in ancient time the mea oli (chanter) in an royal court held the knowledge of the High Ali‘i genealogy’s, transmitting this knowledge to the people of hawai‘i during royal events. Performing an oli kahea to enter into a Hālau or hula school was a password allowing the haumana to enter school only if the kumu hula performed the oli komo, uttering this line at the end: a he leo wale no…..’ae. simply the voice, indeed.
E komo mai! come and enjoy a night full of mana!
Honoring Nā Kumu
A He Leo Wale No Solo Oli Competition was created to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian Culture and Arts. This competition and hō`ike serves to bring awareness of the art of Hawaiian Oli. Itʻs purpose is to showcase cultural practitioners and their skillful techniques of chanting, as well as their exemplary use of the Hawaiian language.
We celebrate KUMU CHARLES KA`UPU JR. as our Cultural Practitioner and Master Chanter of 25 years at Old Lāhainā Lūʻau.
Celebrate Nā Kumu Mastery in Hawaiian culture and the arts.
Since the mid 1970s of the Hawaiian Renaissance contribute to the Lāhui. Hawaiian Arts, Hula, Voyaging, as well as singers, songwriters, chanters on various albums such as the Saga of Hōkūleʻa, Gabby Pahinui, HAPA, Amy Gilliom.
Through the legacy of KUMU KELIʻI TAUʻĀ, nā Hālau were created to share the knowledge of ʻike kupuna, ʻike Hawaiʻi, and other Hawaiian cultural practices. Kumu Kapono and Kanoe Kamaunu continue his legacy though Hālau Mānaiakalani (Japan) and Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society.
A He Leo Wale No Solo Oli Competetion and Hō`ike was created to celebrate, perpetuate and preserve the style of Mele Oli. A he Leo wale no - translates “simply the voice” as suggested in Mele Ali, which are chants that are only accompanied by the voice and not by any other instruments.
CATEGORIES: Kupu (Competitor) / Kumu Hōike (Exhibition) / Kākā`ōlelo (Exhibition)
This competition gives practitioners the opportunity to showcase their individual skills of oli. A chanter will be judge according to the following requirements:
AGE - 18 years or older
LEO / MELE - the use of your vocal abilities within the context of the mele (story).
STYLE / GENRE - utilize the style and genre that is the best appropriate to your Mele.
ʻŌLELO - judge according to pronunciation of words and skillful use of the language to poetry.
EXPRESSION – best use of expression within you in your being to describe the knowledge of understanding you mele.
RHYTHM / TEMPO - the rhythm or tempo that connects with the style of oli, enunciation in proper timing.
DRESSING / COSTUME - hot to connect the style of dressing which is appropriate to the chant.
ADORNMENT - fresh lei, feather or shell lei can be used. *Please no fake floral.
TIME - no minimum, however, no longer that 6 mins. *notate on application form the style of oli and estimated length time. *kepakepa, usually 45 seconds or shorter. Each Competitor is give an allotted time of 10 mins, for presentation which includes the following: Ho‘olauna, Mo‘olelo of your Oli, Presentation of your Oli.
OVERALL PERFORMANCE - use of stage and your mana in performance.
Non-Competitive Categories:
*Kumu Hō`ike participants will be showcased after the initial competition is over. Each Kumu participant will have time to showcase his/her Oli. We appreciate your participation and will be given a small gift for providing your Oli.
*Kākāōlelo are skilled orators, advisors that would create poetry with the profound use of the language. Storytelling and bantering were also a highlight of the skills. The Kākāōlelo section has been added as a fun part of the competition. You can choose to participate or not. This will not be judged by points and will not add to the sum of the competition. Each participant will be given a small gift.
Kākāʻōlelo:
Perform after the initial presentation is given.
A word will be chosen at random, from this word you will create an oli.
You may start as soon as a word is given or you will be given 2 minutes to create an oli.
At least 1 pauku length or more…
Style can range from any oli style to spoken word.
Be creative and have fun!