Ifa, an African Religion | Discography | Compositions| KaUaTuahine| Home

Mahealani Uchiyama

Photo by Brennan Gilroy

Dancer, Musician, Composer, Iyanifa, Kumuhula

Mahealani Uchiyama is the director of the Center for International Dance in Berkeley as well as th e KaUaTuahine Polynesian Dance Company. She has produced a series of instructional DVDs and publications, and is a recording artist. She and her dancers have performed in such venues as San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, Te Papa Tongarewa (the National Museum of New Zealand, Aotearoa), and the Grand Heiva in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Ms. Uchiyama has also recently produced the critically acclaimed “A Walk By the Sea”, a performance and ceremony in song and dance which explores issues of identity and healing.

An artist of African and Native - American ancestry, her music is a compliation of the sounds of her cultural and spiritual heritage; Hawaiian mele, Tahitian 'ahuroa, Maori spirit song, mbira of Zimbabwe, drumming of West Africa and Tahiti.

In Tatau (Tahitian for "tattoo"), her latest release, she presents a collection of compelling and sensual Tahitian songs and drumming, including Te Pua Noanoa, and Tapa'o No Te Here. Guaranteed to touch your heart and get your hips moving, this is a must have for anyone who loves sweet, soulful island sounds.

Mahea Uchiyama in Concert

Photo by Tom Schnetlage

Saturday May 27, 8:00pm at the Center for Dance
729 Heinz Avenue in Berkeley.

Hear some of Mahea's music

Taura No Te Here| Mbira | 'Ote'a 'Orama | He Mele No KaUaTuahine| Pua O Pauoa | Home