Bruddah Waltah Death And Obituary, What Happened To Bruddah Waltah?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Aug 18, 2023
Bruddah Waltah Death And Obituary
Bruddah Waltah, also known as Walter Aipolani, left the world on Friday, August 18, as confirmed by a poignant Facebook announcement by his daughter, Aipolani Ohana, just hours ago.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, it was revealed that the esteemed musician peacefully departed among the dearest family members in his Hilo, Hawaii home. Though the specific cause of his passing wasn't disclosed, it is known that Bruddah Waltah valiantly faced an aggressive form of liver cancer since mid-2021.
Notably, Bruddah Waltah's indomitable spirit was evident when he made a poignant appearance at a concert last year on Hawaii's Big Island. This event, organized by fellow musicians as a tribute and a fundraiser for his medical expenses, highlighted his ongoing struggle against cancer. In a candid moment during the event, he spoke of his battles while undergoing chemotherapy, expressing uncertainty about his return to the stage.
At the age of 68, Walter Aipolani, a gifted Hawaiian singer, guitarist, and songwriter, ultimately succumbed to the year-long fight against liver cancer. The moniker "Bruddah Waltah" was emblematic of his presence and influence, solidified through performances in Waikiki during the 1980s, which earned him his endearing nickname.
Often hailed as the "Father of Hawaiian Reggae," the title resonates with his transformative impact. His band, Island Afternoon, played an instrumental role in propelling Hawaiian-style reggae music to global prominence during the 1980s and 1990s.
What Happened To Bruddah Waltah?
Walter Aipolani, renowned for his roles as a Hawaiian singer, guitarist, and songwriter, eventually succumbed to the year-long battle against liver cancer. His passing occurred at the age of 68, marking the conclusion of his impactful journey. His rise to prominence burgeoned in the 1980s, marked by captivating performances in Waikiki, which ultimately birthed his endearing moniker, Bruddah Waltah.
Recognized as the vanguard of Hawaiian Reggae, the title he earned resonates due to the instrumental contributions of him and his band, Island Afternoon. Their efforts were pivotal in propelling Hawaiian-style reggae music onto the global stage during the dynamic decades of the 1980s and 1990s.
A poignant testament to his legacy unfolded in a star-studded Big Island concert held last July. This event, both a tribute and fundraiser, drew an illustrious lineup of Hawaiian musicians, including Mark Yamanaka and Friends, Randy Lorenzo, Ben Kaili and Friends, and many more. Notably, the concert emanated from the Palace Theatre in Hilo, Bruddah Waltah's hometown, adding a personal touch to the proceedings.
While he couldn't perform at the event, Bruddah Waltah's influence reverberated through two pre-recorded songs, which later became part of the Palace Theater's pandemic video series titled "Live From the Empty Palace." The selected tunes were the cherished 1938 hapa-haole melody "Church in an Old Hawaiian Town," along with "To Love Somebody," showcasing his enduring affection for The Bee Gees.
Beyond the concert realm, Bruddah Waltah maintained a semi-active presence on social media platforms, particularly Facebook. Through his posts, he often offered glimpses into his health journey, with his final update shared in late May 2023. His lasting impact on the Hawaiian music scene remains a testament to his enduring passion and contributions.
How Did Bruddah Waltah Die?
The world bid farewell to the iconic Bruddah Waltah, also known as Walter Aipolani, on Friday, August 18. The somber news was conveyed through a touching Facebook post by his daughter, Aipolani Ohana, just hours ago.
In a heartfelt expression, the post unveiled that the revered musician peacefully embarked on his final journey, surrounded by his closest family members in his Hilo, Hawaii residence. While the exact cause of his passing remains undisclosed, it is acknowledged that Bruddah Waltah displayed remarkable strength throughout his battle against an aggressive form of liver cancer since mid-2021.
Acclaimed as the driving force behind Hawaiian Reggae, Bruddah Waltah and his band, Island Afternoon, etched their mark in history. Their contributions proved instrumental in propelling the distinct notes of Hawaiian-style reggae onto the global stage during the vibrant epochs of the 1980s and 1990s.
A poignant testament to his enduring legacy unfurled through a star-studded concert held last July on the Big Island. This remarkable event, a heartfelt tribute intertwined with fundraising efforts, drew an illustrious ensemble of Hawaiian musicians. The lineup featured luminaries such as Mark Yamanaka and Friends, Randy Lorenzo, Ben Kaili and Friends, and more. Notably, this heartwarming concert took place at the Palace Theatre in Hilo, the cherished hometown of Bruddah Waltah, lending an intimate resonance to the proceedings.
Though his physical presence was absent, the echoes of Bruddah Waltah's influence resounded through two pre-recorded songs that found their place in the Palace Theater's pandemic video series titled "Live From the Empty Palace." These selected melodies included the beloved 1938 hapa-haole tune "Church in an Old Hawaiian Town," alongside "To Love Somebody," a reflection of his abiding admiration for The Bee Gees.
The appellation "Bruddah Waltah" encapsulated his essence and impact, solidified through captivating performances that graced Waikiki during the dynamic 1980s, effectively endowing him with his affectionate nickname.
Bruddah Waltah Death And Obituary - FAQs
Bruddah Waltah, also known as Walter Aipolani, was a Hawaiian singer, guitarist, and songwriter.
Bruddah Waltah passed away on Friday, August 18.
His passing was announced through a heartfelt Facebook post by his daughter, Aipolani Ohana.
He peacefully departed in the presence of his closest family members at his home in Hilo, Hawaii.
While the specific cause of his passing wasn't disclosed, he had been battling an aggressive form of liver cancer since mid-2021.