Herb Ohta Jr

HERB OHTA JR. As a master ‘ukulele performer, composer, recording artist, and teacher, Herb Ohta Jr. has solidly established himself in the company of musicians who promote Hawaiian ‘ukulele in the international music landscape today. It is Herb’s goal to share the beauty of Hawai’i’s music, its culture, and the ‘ukulele to people all over the world. Son of the legendary ukulele artist Ohta-san, his first formal teacher, Herb learned his first ‘ukulele song at age three from his grandmother, recognizing his natural talent. Now a multiple award-winner, with 7 Na Hoku Awards (including Best ‘Ukulele in 2021) and 4 Hawai‘i Music Awards, he creates unique arrangements of new and familiar tunes and makes each song breathtakingly fresh and definitely his own. While he enjoys all types of music, Herb’s favorite songs to perform are ballads and all types of Hawaiian songs because they enhance the natural sound of the instrument. Herb’s style is distinct and recognizable as his own with a graceful “nahenahe” quality (gentle, melodious, emotionally evocative) that is very Hawaiian, reflecting the inspirations of ukulele greats that came before him.