The Origin of Ukuleles
What is up famalam?! Today we're going to be looking at the geography and history of the ukulele!
It is assumed by many that the ukulele originate from Hawaii, however, that is not true.
Ukuleles actually originate from an island called Madeira in between Portugal and North Africa. It is thought that three immigrants in particular, Madeiran cabinet makers Manuel Nunes, José do Espírito Santo, and Augusto Dias, are the first ukulele makers. Ukuleles then appeared in Hawaii in the 19th century as an adaptation of the Portuguese machete, brought by the Portuguese immigrants. The name 'ukulele' roughly translates to 'jumping flee' and it is thought this is because of the quick movement of the players fingers.
In the 1960s, the ukulele was introduced into school systems in Canada as an inexpensive and easy way to teach music in class. In Japan today, the country is considered a second home for Hawaiian musicians and the ukulele. This is because in 1929, Hawaiian born Yukihiko Haida returned to Japan after his father's death and introduced it. Western music was growing in popularity at the time and it was kept alive even during the second World War when all western music was banned. In the UK, George Formby became their most famous ukulele player. He played a large part in popularising the banjolele which is a cross between a ukulele and a banjo.
Today the ukulele is used widely in many different countries and styles of music and it continues to grow in popularity all the time.
It is assumed by many that the ukulele originate from Hawaii, however, that is not true.
Ukuleles actually originate from an island called Madeira in between Portugal and North Africa. It is thought that three immigrants in particular, Madeiran cabinet makers Manuel Nunes, José do Espírito Santo, and Augusto Dias, are the first ukulele makers. Ukuleles then appeared in Hawaii in the 19th century as an adaptation of the Portuguese machete, brought by the Portuguese immigrants. The name 'ukulele' roughly translates to 'jumping flee' and it is thought this is because of the quick movement of the players fingers.
In the 1960s, the ukulele was introduced into school systems in Canada as an inexpensive and easy way to teach music in class. In Japan today, the country is considered a second home for Hawaiian musicians and the ukulele. This is because in 1929, Hawaiian born Yukihiko Haida returned to Japan after his father's death and introduced it. Western music was growing in popularity at the time and it was kept alive even during the second World War when all western music was banned. In the UK, George Formby became their most famous ukulele player. He played a large part in popularising the banjolele which is a cross between a ukulele and a banjo.
Today the ukulele is used widely in many different countries and styles of music and it continues to grow in popularity all the time.
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