MAKO

Mako is a traditional Okinawan music performer who plays in the NW area. She plays as solo and sometimes leads a group called Munjuru performing music, dance and story telling of Okinawa. She is a member of a musical troupe Ukwanshin Kabudan, based in Honolulu to help perpetuate the tradition of music and art of Okinawa.

Okinawan music and arts are closely related to Chinese. Although a part of Japan, Okinawa possess its own unique art and culture much different from the mainland. The instrument played called sanshin, a 3 stringed lute, which its body is covered with python skin and plucked with a pick made with water buffalo horn.

The songs are sang in an ancient language of Okinawa. This language is considered to be one of endangered languages in the world today. As of 2009, UNESCO recognized and included Okinawan ancient language to be protect from disappearing completely.

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