Natalie Ai Kamau'u
Natalie Ai Kamau'u
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4.4.22
Name: Natalie Elizabeth Noelani Lindsey Kama’u
Family: I have 4 brothers and a sister raised in Pearl City/Aiea. My Mom is from Wahiawa and Dad is from Kalihi.
Occupation: Hawaiian Singer & Dancer
Favorite Polynesian Food: I can eat Poi all day, every day.
“When I first decided I wanted to be a singer, it was a distinct decision. I kind of did it because my parents need a musician for the Halau. However, when I did make the decision, I knew that I wanted to do it own my own and I did not want a producer to tell me how to do something. We brought our own music in and arrangements in. We did not have a record label to back us up. We had lots of obstacles, but we persevered. My husband was my partner in all of this. You must have enough faith in yourself to do it and not to be dependent on anyone else. I am so happy I knew who I was by the time I decided I want to be a singer.”
How has being of Polynesian descent and culture shape who you are today
“I don’t know what it feels like to be cultureless. I only know what it feels to have kuleana. It is because of the culture and teachings of my parents/kupuna which shape who I am and what I need to accomplish in this life.
I used to think that my kuleana and culture was just something that I felt and not something that you talk about to other people. But then I began to see my children basing their decisions on the same thing. It is an amazing thing to wake up and know what you are supposed to be doing. I feel responsibility to my culture and do things a certain way.
As a Hawaiian, we are always taught that Aloha is important. However, I think Mahalo is more important because we need to have gratitude before we can have love.”
What advice do you have for the upcoming Polynesian generation in preparation for brighter futures?
“My advice would be to find themselves first. Then grow within themselves. It is super easy to look at things on social media and want to look/sound like what they are seeing. Everyone is blessed with their gifts which is theirs and theirs alone. So, get up and share it!”
“Everyone is blessed with their gifts which are theirs and theirs alone. So, get up and share it!"
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