Taimane, Hawaiian Ukulelist | Taimane Gardner | TEDxPurdueU

Without reservation we can say that you have never heard a ukulele played like this before! Taimane, which translates to “Diamond” in Samoan, sparkles on stage at TEDxPurdueU with a variety of genres of music, from classical to rock and a bit of traditional Hawaiian.
Taimane translates to "diamond" in Samoan and perfectly reflects the different facets of her nature. Whether delicately finger­picking 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. 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 lights up rooms wherever she goes, sparkling like the diamond that she is.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@stephen3073]

I feel sad for the 59 people who gave this a thumbs-down. They must lead such joyless, empty lives.

[@shelbyv2658]

Idk how people can be like this ...

[@metinkabak5599]

yes sir

[@karenjohnson1523]

78 now. They get pleasure from disliking. That's their joy.

[@musselchee9560]

Life is obviously hellish for those that moan.

[@matthewgerick5559]

When her uke falls out of tune around 9:25, and she retunes without skipping a beat. Just a little smile. The professionalism tho.

[@kimberleysmith4379]

Twas impressive

[@kristof64200]

the gaze of an angel and the fingers of a fairy

[@barrypoupard7009]

Sometimes the internet is worth all hassle and strife. Hearing her for the 1st time ..... a phenomenon.

[@k4xtt]

This ladies talent is outrageous! Her dynamic range on the instrument is absolutely insane. I would rank her talent equal to some of the best instrument players in the world. Hope she make many albums.

[@rose-annebriggs9555]

She is amazing! Really makes the ukulele sing and become a really serious instrument,

[@mookiemu]

Every time I see her it blows me away! Her musicality is extraordinary.

[@dinaanguiano9093]

she's amazing, in her unique way. if she jumps around dance or whatever she does, that's what she is. I found it phenomenal

[@melissadenby2357]

I second this!

[@leroy7513]

That's called spasms

[@sanyo_neezy]

Taimane I love your performance! Your motions accompany your music in perfection and your good kind of weirdness just screams that you are a musician from your heart and soul

[@ciaranlawless8487]

A huge and note-perfect orchestra from a small ukulele - sublime beyond words

[@nartoatmo4017]

Taimane..you are truly amazing...Namaste de BALI.INDONESIA

[@jeffreysherman2574]

A terrific performance. Not just the music but her stage presence as well. What a package.

[@JohnHanly]

Very creative mix of songs! For those of you that don't think much of her, may I suggest that you seek to enjoy her performance as "a package deal". She is a wonderful entertainer--not just a musician.

[@genepiersall6707]

John Hanly1983 '

[@johndavidoff4052]

She is the Chet Atkins of ukulele! Bravo Taimane!

[@albertbrady712]

Prodigy. A young master.

[@bungford4]

Discovered her music when she appeared on a British TV show about the islands of America, with Martin Clunes. So glad I saw her. Wonderful musician.

[@sunset5103]

The intro of the second part is .... a place in which I can rest my sould

[@r.a.monigold9789]

...with access to over 30 MILLION WORDS, I'm still coming up short on offering you the feedback that your wondrous talent, driven by your passion and obvious countless hours of practice have brought to my emotional well being. Thank you plus everything else I'm feeling because of your gift.

[@frederikmichale9889]

How mamy languages do you speak?

[@r.a.monigold9789]

@@frederikmichale9889 not ukulele, obviously...

[@Gentleman808]

There are literally only a small handful of people in the world who can even be half this good. Taimane and Jake Shimabukuro are the best ukulele masters in the world.

[@itsmewill8725]

Wow, i love finding new amazing artists that blow my mind. So I thank you for that. Truly amazing x

[@zerobrain17]

So beautiful ... and Part II ... Uke, Hang Drum, Cajon and Taimane. Just magic. Love it!!

[@melisshasouthard]

We just scored tickets to see her in Nashville. I can't wait!

[@johndavidoff4052]

She and her playing are amazing!

[@burkedejanes5735]

This chick is incredible! Tear it up girl!

[@frednawrot4197]

It is so exciting to watch her play. There is magic in the air when she plays.

[@jmiahspeaks]

HeyNOW! YEOWWW! (There are no words, LOVED the presentation and style of presenting.)

[@billhardwick536]

Just discovered you this week. Fantastic talent, fantastic music. Thank you so much.

[@spiritkyack]

whooo gooo girl wonderful , spectacular performer 1!

[@magdalenajuarezflores4445]

Wow cuanto trabajo para este hermoso resultado. Felicidades y gracia por este deleite.

[@allandunn1431]

She's phenomenal. That strumming hand!!

[@majortom4543]

Rumors says she gives wicked hand jobs, or so i heard in the ted talk maui comment section.

[@koonmung4167]

Go sit in the corner for your TIME OUT, you unredeemable brat. And fer God's (the rest of the world's, actually) GROW UP!!!

[@koonmung4167]

Adults (with a capital "A"), do not repeat inane and promulgate toilet comments. BTW, "pussies" never take responsibility for their actions and conveniently place the blame elseware. I for one cherish the internet (KZbin especially) and all it has to offer in raising the intellect and appreciation of culture in all it's positive forms. To some (sigh!) they regard the internet as a sewer and algae choked pond to dump their garbage..... shame, no, wait.... pity on them. Gotta go... listening to Ravel's Bolero with Dudamel conducting the Munich Philharmonic. Shame on me, for I always seem to forget to: "Consider the source, ignore the remark!"

[@majortom4543]

Lol youre so pissed like if i had said something wrong inside of a church. Dude this is the internet learn to handle it or leave to the library.

[@koonmung4167]

Been doing computers and BBsing (peer to peer) since '82, which should lend a clue as to how long I've been interacting with users all over the planet for decades. Fast forward to now and I won't sit still for bottom feeders who think the internet is up for grabs and cool to inject (pun not intended) sexual innuendoes in labeling an artist's efforts whether attributed to others or themselves, in gratifying their "entitled", insidious kicks. It is rarely, I engage in a war of words with an opponent with a serious disadvantage. Yes, "dude", to many, many of us who cherish graciousness, appreciation for the efforts of others, self-esteem, sense of history (waaay before we were born), honor and compassion (as displayed here?)..... the internet could be called our CHURCH. So please wipe yer feet, I do not blame the parents, or do I? Wake up call, you do not own the internet, let alone, KZbin to stem my comment on denigration and disrespect. Namaste!

[@kattyf1389]

wow! she's beautiful and your music is simply gorgeous, much mahalo : )

[@kimberleysmith4379]

I hope to play like this one day. My new idol right here. Amazing

[@brendaboyd2291]

She is the best I have ever seen or heard on a ukulele by far!!

[@davidt9238]

Very nice, although I prefer Jake Shimabukuro.

[@spiritkyack]

multi amazing sounds ! whooo ahhahha !

[@rviena]

Such power in her strumming like hot molten lava racing down the slopes of Halemaumau. Then softens like the cooling rain over the Koolau. Taimane means “diamond” in the Samoan language. Her talent is liken unto that. Taimane is an expression, a feeling of pure joy expressed in movements she translates from music streaming from her magical fingertips. She is indeed a very beautifully wrapped gift in a petite package. Open her up and you’ll be surprised, even mesmerized to a full sounding orchestra. Captured in 1 ukulele. Her weapon of choice, filled with an endless arsenal of different genres such as Hawaiian, classical, rock, jazz, Latin, and so much more!

[@crazyc99]

DEAR GOD ! WHAT HAVE YOU CREATED!!!? JUST AMAZING!!!

[@lomequi]

Taimane tienes el brillo del Sol en tus manos y la luz suave de Luna. Dios te bandiga

[@DavidDorenfeld]

SHE IS AMAZING.

[@jackjanuszkiewicz]

Holy cow, and up until this morning I didn't even know she existed. Talented angel. Thanks Scott Blank for posting her performance from San Diego Ukelele Festival.

[@barrypoupard7009]

Me too Jack. S'times the net isn't so bad eh?

[@jackjanuszkiewicz]

Well, a few weeks ago she signed my little uke after the concert in New York City's Joe's Pub. Yay!!!

[@alirayes6724]

Jack Januszkiewicz .

[@damsam4369]

So incredibly beautiful. A real talent

[@genesmith2355]

wow from one musician to another awesome i was right there with you

[@tommorrisey3999]

I wonder how many in that audience understood just how technically difficult it is to play like that. I’m sure they enjoyed it, but it takes another ukuleleist to watch and go, “Holy cr*p! How does she DO that?”

[@jacquesmillanvoye.communac4652]

Very very nice ! bravo !

[@CoralBarclay]

amazing!

[@juanledermann5853]

Es increíble el sonido que esta hawaiana logra en el ukelele. Estoy de acuerdo en que está al nivel de los mejores instrumentistas del mundo.

[@richardjones4080]

stairway on a uke oh wow absolutely spectacular or a variation of anyway

[@basslover1345]

Amazing performance

[@jero4733]

Beautiful and talented!!!

[@Healmyheart68]

You inspired me to take up playing the uke😍😍😍

[@aleksgorbunov4545]

Молодци Ребятки, Виртуозная "Классика"!!! Мне ваш жанр как всегда очень нравится!!! Удачи Вам всем!!!

[@visionbear5826]

SO EASILY AWESOME AND AMAZING AND SUCH A BIT SELF CONFIDENT ,,, TRULY A LADY IN HER OWN RIGHT ... SO COMPOSING BEAUTY FILLED ...

[@elbinkogrande]

She is indeed a brilliant musician. Alas, it appeared that the Purdue audience didn't fully appreciate her talents ...

[@Jklh45621]

You rock girl!!

[@suelisocallaghan]

Listening to them made me feel victorious, just like I have won something special huge :)

[@rinkerock9178]

Nice really feel the soul

[@akjs0]

just tearing it up! i wonder what she sounds like with a bass guitar

[@meb6140]

i love er sm

[@phatbui1974]

the best Talent Guitarist ever ..!!

[@Healmyheart68]

Not guitarist ..its ukulele

[@ArlandoBento]

Mantap abis oi.... Taimane i love u..

[@Matx5901]

She's a rock star.

[@dominiquedourneau7425]

You are the sun rising in the morning and make all the clouds disappear....and bring the showers to refresh the beach that you walk on...

[@kevinkemble3718]

"Phenomenal" 100X

[@beritellenskov7411]

How beautiful and funny happy Music. TKS. From denmar

[@donnaadams7121]

wow.

[@sunset5103]

Artists are very sensitive people, I can see she feels the sound ... long time ago I don't feel that way myself

[@majortom4543]

i've also lost that, i used to feel it in my skin, then shit happened (difficult things in my life) and i became insensitive i think, even though i still play and shit, its strange but well, i hope someday everything becomes better.

[@koonmung4167]

It's called bad karma and you prove that it's real and it works!

[@TheTinker6871]

Just.....Damn!

[@rayvelasco2059]

Most Excellent ¿

[@Chiungalla79]

I guess in all of hawaii store owners take down the "No stairway" sign when Taimane enters their music stores.

[@casey8378]

🤘🤘🤘

[@michaelstapleton2768]

She’s a goddess

[@tonyyee218]

Now this is entertainment !

[@suzannearkangel2961]

a true virtuosa...then there are others.

[@celebiyildiz4018]

Harikasın

[@_IVXX]

I think I'm gonna coppy her one handed manicure when I get better. I wondered for a good bit of nails would be good to pick with or just get in the way but I couldn't really ever find anyone playing with them (not that that's gonna be a common thing in the first place)

[@agod5608]

I am not finished watching. but I like you already.

[@ericpaulband]

Just amazing talent. And what is the name of the lighted up drum that guy is playing?

[@superbmediacontentcreator]

It is an electronic "hand Pan"...

[@RichardJohnson-gi9dp]

Bravo Taimane and Jonathan! (Boo for the lousy public)

[@LeonardoGalotera]

She is the Paco de Lucia of ukulele as far as I’m concerned.

[@user-es2sd9jo5h]

Sirena класс!!!

[@hk4519]

She's amazing on the Uke! But I dunno how her nails stay on?! Great choice of songs! 👌👌

[@Healmyheart68]

Think they are fake ...impossible for natural nails to take on that kimdvof onslaught without getting battered badly 😂🤣😂🤣

[@katherandefy]

Acrylic is strong. She recommends.

[@xbox360benji]

Now what would she have done for Muse..?

[@christiansanchez1486]

Hmm can't say it love it but I certainly don't hate it

[@luisjarque7110]

I hope the audience was at a safe distance from those flying forks (12:45-12:46). Someone must've said "get the fork outta here!"

[@musselchee9560]

CHIU!

[@jimmyryu40]

The Female Jake wow she can play and groove

[@haimbenavraham1502]

The Ukulele, found Taimane.

[@tedmcginnis9073]

I'll bet people with thumbs down didn't listen to the songs

[@geoffreywelsby7434]

Could anyone tell me what the instrument the guy is playing. Love the sound of it..

[@suelukeson7862]

ukulele and SHE is a female.

[@suelukeson7862]

Sorry, I didn't see the guy there until after I wrote my comment.

[@gabitamiravideos]

A “caja” (pronounced “kahah”. Originally is used in flamenco music (in Spain), particularly in rumba. It has many players in Latin America as well.

[@gabitamiravideos]

Unless you are talking about the electronic hand pan in the first part...

[@bce4435]

The most amazing thing is how the does she not break her nails ?

[@bettespringer0324]

B Ce She has acrylic nails on her right hand. She said otherwise they would wear down.

[@artemkirichenko4022]

tabs for intro pls)

[@user-xo5ji2tq5x]

Она в душе русская насколько я понимаю...

[@jimpowell3793]

90

[@elgieswift3498]

Can anyone tell me the details about what kind of ukulele she is playing? It looks like a tenor with a 5th string on the bottom... but that's all I know.

[@koonmung4167]

I "think" the top two strings maybe a high and low G.

[@patriciaburke2401]

Sometimes she actually changes the tuning while playing! She is amazing!

[@saintsamaritan]

Fast.

[@davidgough7332]

Does any one know how old Taimane is?

[@sdf592]

David Gough 29

[@philippakynaston8281]

83 who are they

[@zz111zz111zz]

епта для этого есть русская балалайка

[@aouschethedude2761]

NO KA 'OI....SIMPLY...NO KA 'OI

[@christiankramer5376]

what is he paying

[@missc2742]

they need to get the metal mushroom guy off of the stage