From Bach to Led Zeppelin, flamenco infernos to tribal hymns, Taimane continues to break new ground with the ukulele
Whether delicately finger-picking through Bach or radically ripping through Led Zeppelin, Taimane has the ability to morph genres – from classical to rock to flamenco – and stretch her instrument far beyond the familiar melodies of Hawai`i.
A ukulele virtuoso, songwriter, and singer, Taimane, garnered a 2023 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award ("Hawaiian Grammy") for Instrumental Album and Instrumental Composition of the Year, as well as Favorite Entertainer of the Year in 2023 and 2019.
Taimane is best known for her fierce and inventive style of playing the ukulele, helping the hapa Samoan (part caucasian and part indigenous Samoan) artist garner over 50 million video views and nearly 500,000 social media followers to date.
Hailing from a musical Polynesian family, including her late mother, Palepa Tauiliili Gardner (Miss Samoa 1978), Taimane’s attraction to the four-string island staple began at age 5. By age 10, she regularly performed in public, busking in Waikiki every Friday night with her father holding down security duties and Waikiki Beach Boys (adults whose home & workplace was the beach) serving as her band. By age 13, Taimane landed a position in Don Ho’s show literally playing in the spotlight every week until Ho’s passing.
Fast forward to today, and you have an artist who tours the world and has carved out a unique niche in music – merging a wide-array of genres, from Bach to rock, flamenco infernos to tribal hymns, summoning a seemingly limitless palette of emotions via an instrument previously viewed as restricted.
Read
Global Star Taimane Explores Her Polynesian Roots on "HAWAIKI" (ukulele magazine.com. January 12, 2023) READ FULL ARTICLE
"Taimane rocks the stage with a sensual vibrancy and a white-hot talent that captivates and beguiles!” —Pierce Brosnan (aka 007)
"If you didn’t know ukulele virtuosity is a thing, get on board. Taimane Gardner is not just in her own league on the instrument; she’s a captivating performer as well. And on top of that, she’s a masterful songwriter and interpreter. Ukulele, meet your triple threat." — Grammy.com
“A phenomenally talented ukulele virtuoso, Taimane has developed a flamenco-inspired strumming technique that is breathtaking.” — Maui News
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