Hawaii’s music scene mourns the loss of a true legend as singer-guitarist Walter Aipolani, affectionately known as Bruddah Waltah, passed away on Thursday following a courageous battle with liver cancer. He was 68 years old.
Born on Oahu, Bruddah Waltah, often referred to as “The Father of Hawaiian Reggae,” spent his formative years in Keaukaha and a significant portion of his adult life in Hilo, making an indelible mark on the island’s cultural landscape.
With a musical career spanning over four decades, Bruddah Waltah’s impact on Hawaii’s musical heritage is immeasurable. Some of his most notable hits include “Keep Hawaiian Lands in Hawaiian Hands,” a reimagining of Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain”; “My Hawaiian Car”; “Funny Talk”; “Church in an Old Hawaiian Town”; and “Sweet Lady of Waiahole.”
Mark Yamanaka, a prominent figure in Hawaiian music, fondly recalls Bruddah Waltah, stating, “Everybody called him ‘Bruddah Waltah.’ I called him ‘Uncle Waltah.’ Just to see him around Hilo was awesome. He was one of the people of that generation who kind of embraced me as I was coming up. As a musician and as a person, he was just himself — witty and funny and just an overall great guy.”
Even amidst his battle with cancer, Aipolani continued to share his music with the world. He performed alongside his band in the Homesick Hawaiians circuit on the West Coast, captivating audiences with his performances. In more intimate settings, he enchanted listeners with his nylon-string acoustic guitar and his crystal-clear tenor voice, showcasing his wide-ranging talent.
Tommy “Kahikina” Ching, an afternoon personality on KAPA-FM, reflects on Bruddah Waltah’s unique style, describing it as “rootsy” and deeply personal. Ching notes that Bruddah Waltah was instrumental in the emergence of Jawaiian music, a fusion of Jamaican reggae and Hawaiian elements, which has now become a significant part of the Hawaiian music scene.
Bruddah Waltah’s musical journey was influenced by a diverse array of genres. While hula and Hawaiian music were part of his upbringing, he expanded his horizons by immersing himself in rock ‘n’ roll and reggae. A pivotal moment occurred when he attended a Bob Marley concert in 1979, an experience that transformed his perspective and ultimately shaped his musical direction.
Unlike some local bands of the time, Aipolani’s band, Island Afternoon, took inspiration from Jamaican reggae and opted for a sound that stayed true to its roots. With a focus on preserving the authenticity of reggae, Bruddah Waltah and his band embraced the genre without compromising its essence.
News of Bruddah Waltah’s passing has reverberated through social media, with an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians and fans alike. Darrin “DC” Carlson, a morning personality, expressed, “I will forever miss his ‘Whattup, D?!’ Rest in love, Bruddah Waltah Aipolani. Mahalo for creating such great music with that sweet, sweet voice.”
As the Hawaiian community grapples with recent losses and challenges, Lehua Kalima Alvarez, a member of the vocal trio Na Leo, aptly remarks, “Bruddah Waltah was da man … with a heart that was even bigger than his talent.” His music and spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bruddah Waltah is survived by his wife of nearly 46 years, Thailiana Denise Leionaona Aipolani. Funeral arrangements are currently pending, as the Hawaiian music community gathers to honor the life and legacy of this iconic figure.