Mon, 04 May 2026 22:28:04 +0000

The Shocking Story Behind the Ukelele No One Talks About in Folk Music When most people think of folk music, they picture acoustic guitars, harmonicas, or a raw, unplugged delivery. But buried in the vibrant history of folk traditions lies a lesser-known — and quite surprising — chapter involving the ukulele. This tiny, four-stringed instrument, often associated with Hawaiian sunshine and beach parties, has a hidden past steeped in cultural intrigue and social tension. The real story behind the ukulele in folk music isn’t just about melody — it’s a tale of colonialism, identity, and quiet resistance. ### From Courts to Colonized Islands: The Ukelele’s Unexpected Origins Contrary to popular belief, the ukulele is not a traditional Hawaiian instrument in the way that smartphones today are universal. Its direct ancestors lie in 19th-century Portugal. In 1879, Portuguese immigrants brought small, portable lutes known as the machete de braga and cavaco to Hawaii. These stringed instruments eventually evolved into the ukulele under the influence of Hawaiian music culture and colonial trade routes.