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Kanikapila is a style ofHawaiian music produced in an impromptujam session, most commonly taking place at a beach, or family gathering. The term comes fromkani which meanssound.[1] andpila which means any string instrument in theHawaiian language.[2]
Over the last few decades it formed into a conceptual style reflecting more emphasis onacoustic instruments including theukulele and free following speed to reflect the emotion of the players. The term has started making its way in the dialog of mainland US musicians as well.
One way that the kanikapila style music has made its mark in popular culture is songs like "Somewhere over the Rainbow" byIsrael Kamakawiwo'ole where he takes two songs ( "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World" ) mashes them together to form an entirely new song. This is common element of the kanikapila style.
It is a popular custom to end kanikapila sessions the same way with the song "Hawaii Aloha" written by 19th century Christian minister,Lorenzo Lyons. Kanikapila groups include theExperience Paradise Project.