When it comes to artistic performances, virtuosity is the highest level we can aspire to.
Only handfuls of musicians go on to master their instrument to a standard celebrated for unmatched technique and feeling. When you find them, their skills are exceptional and it shows. Their dedication to mastering music is no doubt a treat to watch and incredible to listen to. And the good news is, there are a range of modern musical virtuosos popping up online.
Meet Taimane. She is a musical force to be reckoned with.
She’s a world-renowned ukulele musician and has been playing since the age of five.
Her unique style impresses all that witness it. It’s somewhat of the ultimate mashup of flamenco meets classic rock. While she is careful to pay homage to the roots of the instrument, she’s gone on to celebrate a wide variety of genres with her unwavering talent.
In an interview with Beauty Within, she revealed:
“I’ve always really enjoyed other people’s cultures. Even though the ukulele is the Hawaiian instrument, that’s the instrument I’ve expressed myself through. I just kind of play French music, Indian music, whatever I feel passionate or connected to.”
Taimane is a Hawaiian native and lights up the stage no matter where she performs.
According to her biography:
“Taimane translates to diamond from Samoan and perfectly reflects the different facets of her nature. 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, where she grew up. When Don Ho caught wind of the talented teen, he invited her to join him as part of his venerable variety show at the Waikiki Beachcomber, further fueling Taimane’s desire to perform for and connect with audiences.”
Now, at 31 years old, she take her music globally and expresses herself in passionate performances, embracing the stage.
As her biography goes on to describe:
“In addition to performing her own distinctive versions of well-known pieces, Taimane weaves in original compositions that are as far ranging as her musical tastes. With the fierceness of a rocker, and the grace of a dancer, Taimane and her music are wowing ever-larger audiences.”
It’s exceptional to watch her effortlessly glide across the ukulele as the prodigy she is. With her act, she is completely redefining the instrument for modern times.
Additionally, Taimane is very active across social media channels.
She consistently uploads her intimate recordings to YouTube as well as Instagram.
Just check out this amazing, up close and personal performance of “Carmen” into the theme from “Phantom of the Opera.”
Immediately, Taimane hammers fearlessly away at the ukulele, smiling all the while at the music she’s creating.
Within seconds you’re introduced to the awesome talent that she possesses.
It’s not every day that someone picks up a ukulele and tears it to shreds!
As she explained in an interview:
“I’ve been playing since I was five, but I never really played Hawaiian music. I always played flamenco or classical rock type of music. It was just something that I connected to. And then the ukulele was my way to express myself.”
Since this video has been uploaded, it’s been viewed over two million times with 125,000 likes—a dazzling performance indeed! It will give you chills.
Check it out for yourself in the video linked below:
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