Lesson 1: Learning “E Nā Kini”
Aim: How can a song unite people around a shared goal?
Summary: Students will learn to sing the chorus of “E Nā Kini,” discover elements of harmony in both song and in community, and explore the importance of an anthem.
Materials: Musical Explorers digital resources, Musical Explorers Student Guide
Standards: National 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11; NYC 1, 2, 3, 4
Vocabulary: anthem, call and response, harmony, melody
The song “E Nā Kini,” meaning “Oh People of the Land,” is a coming together of people during life’s challenges. From 1866 to 1969, nearly 8,000 men, women, and children who were stricken with Hansen’s disease (also known as leprosy) were taken from their families and isolated at Kalaupapa on the Hawaiian island of Moloka‘i. Mandated by the government, these policies helped stop the disease from spreading to the rest of the islands, and music, in the form of choirs and dance bands, became an important part of the healing process at Kalaupapa. “E Nā Kini,” written by Kalaupapa’s composer of songs and church hymns Ernest Kala, became a rallying anthem for those at Kalaupapa. It called for pride and dignity among the natives. It celebrated the lives that were preserved by those who united and believed that through unity much could be accomplished.
“E Nā Kini”
Text
E nā kini o ka ‘āina e ala mai, a e ala pū,
E nā mamo o Hawai‘i nei e ala mai,
(a e ala pū)
A I mua nā pōki‘i a inu i ka wai
‘awa‘awa,
A e mau ka lanakila, e nā kini o ka ‘āina,
E nā mamo o Hawai‘i nei e ala mai,
(a e ala pū).
Chorus:
I ka lawe, (lawe a lilo),
I ka pono, (pono a mau), Paio no ka pono e,
e nā kini o ka ‘āina,
I ka lawe (lawe a lilo),
I ka pono, (pono a mau),
Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina i ka pono,
Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina i ka pono.
E nā mokupuni o Hawai‘i nei e ala mai,
(a e ala pū)
E nā mano kini a lehu e ala mai,
(a e ala pū)
Mai Hawai‘i o Keawe a Kaua‘i o Manokalani,
‘Onipa‘a mau, ‘onipa‘a mau,
E nā mokupuni o Hawai‘i nei,
E nā mano kini a lehu e ala mai,
(a e ala pū)
(Chorus)
(x2)
“Oh People of the Land”
Translation
Oh people of the land rise up, and rise up,
Oh Hawaiian descendants rise up,
(and rise up together)
And the younger generations move forward and drink
the bitter water,
The victory lives on, o people of the land,
Oh descendants of Hawai‘i, rise up,
(and rise up together).
Chorus:
Acquire, (acquire and receive),
The rights, (rights forever), fight for the rights, oh people
of the land,
Acquire, (acquire and receive),
The rights, (rights forever),
The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness,
The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
Oh islands of Hawai‘i rise up,
(and rise up together)
Oh numerous multitude and masses rise up
(and rise up together)
From Hawai‘i of Keawe to Kaua‘i of Molokai,
Steadfast always, steadfast always,
Oh islands of Hawai‘i
Oh numerous multitudes and masses rise up,
(and rise up together).
(Chorus)
(x2)
- On the last line of the chorus, “Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina i ka pono,” pause the clapping pattern and perform the hula movement.
- How does adding this clapping pattern or the hula help you sing the song?
- What do you think the hula movement is communicating about this song?
- What other movements or rhythmic patterns can we add to the song?
Discover Anthems
- “E Nā Kini” became an anthem for the people of Kalaupapa, and eventually for all Hawaiians who believe in caring for each other and rising up together, even in times of struggle.
- Define and discuss the meaning of anthem: an uplifting song identified with a particular group or unifying cause.
- What anthems do you know? For example, the national anthem of the US.
- Why do communities have anthems?
- How does an anthem help unite people?
- Do you think an anthem always unites everyone?
Create Your Own Anthem
- Review the definition of anthem and discuss.
- What are issues in your community or in our world that you care about?
- What do you want to celebrate?
- Are there others that care about the same things?
- As a class, determine a common issue or cause that you care about. Use these prompts and the activity My Anthem (PDF) as a guide for students to create statements of belief or aspirations.
- I believe that …
- A change is important because …
- If I want to contribute to my community, I can …
- For an added musical challenge, turn your classroom statements into a musical anthem. Sing each statement to a known melody, an improvised song, or add body percussion to create accompanying rhythms as you speak the lines.
- What music would you choose to accompany this statement to create an anthem?
- Does your song provide an opportunity for all members of the class to feel included and uplifted?
Musical Word Wall
Add the words anthem, call and response, harmony, and melody to the Musical Word Wall.
Image Credits
Hula Dancers in Traditional Attire courtesy of the artist.