This gentle giant, as everyone calls him, was born on the island of Oahu, and raised in the Kaimuki community, on the outskirts of Waikiki, Hawaii.
If you heard his name you might not know who he is: Israel Iz Kamakawiwo’ole.
This man, whose voice captured the hearts of thousands of Hawaiians, was a staunch defender of the national values of his country.
Through his music, Israel rescued important Hawaiian cultural traditions.
Israel wasn’t just an exceptional musician who revitalized the use of instruments from his culture, but also a political activist who defended the independent movement of his country.
Unfortunately, Israel died in 1997 at just 38 years of age, with his whole life ahead of him.
His obesity caused serious health problems which ended up resulting in his death.
The video shows the deep pain with which the Hawaiian people bid farewell to Israel upon scattering his ashes in the ocean.
A moment, undoubtedly full of emotion, pain and memories, but also of satisfaction knowing that this great man touched the hearts of everyone on his island.
Enjoy this video, in which you can appreciate Israel playing and singing this song that very few people associate with him.
