A Maui resident whose instrumental nose flute song was featured in the Academy Award-winning film "The Descendants" has died.
Anthony Natividad, who was known to many Hawaii entertainers as the premier player and builder of the Native Hawaiian nose flute, died of a heart attack on Maui on Oct. 29. He was 48.
Natividad was on the cutting edge of the Hawaiian Renaissance, raising to prominence the indigenous nose flute, or ‘ohe hano ihu, which often has been treated as secondary to other Hawaiian musical instruments such as the ukulele or steel guitar.
He stretched its range in new directions and increased the public’s awareness of the spiritual aspects of Hawaiian culture.
Natividad could create a nose flute out of a chocolate egg, Coke can or PVC pipe.
He could also play two nose flutes at once, sometimes combining them with playing Tibetan bowls and a didgeridoo in what became a transformative sound experience, friends said.
"He was … without doubt, the finest ‘ohe player on the planet," Hawaiian entertainer Keola Beamer said. "His music and compassionate heart will be truly missed."
Natividad was in the original cast of the Hawaiian theatrical production " ‘Ulalena" when it opened in 1999.
Under the Mountain Apple label, he recorded a collection of his nose flute songs in the album "Ahupua‘a" in 2004, including "Wisdom Keepers" which was featured in "The Descendants."
Hawaiian entertainer George Kahumoku Jr., who has won several Grammys, said Natividad was not only a master player but also a master builder of nose flutes and he was willing to share his knowledge.
Natividad taught workshops at the Maui Community College Institute of Hawaiian Music and became a mentor to students.
Friends said Natividad played with "ha," or sacred breath, with purity and sincerity.
Kahumoku said Natividad played with such feeling that his music sounded like the wind through a forest.
"He was a very spiritual person," Kahumoku said.
Natividad, born in Wahiawa, was a 1982 graduate of Leilehua High School.
He is survived by his wife, Jamie Uyeda Natividad; children Gavin Uyeda and Waikaleolani and Aleia Natividad; mother Keiko; brothers Christopher and Gregory; sisters Christina Clohan and Cathleen Bailey; and two grandsons.
On Maui, a celebration of life will be held 10 a.m. Sunday at the ‘Ulalena Theatre. Scattering of ashes and a reception is set for 12:30 p.m. that day at the Lahaina Jodo Mission. The family welcomes loose flowers for scattering but no lei.
On Oahu, a service is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17, with visitation at 5:30 p.m., at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, makai chapel, followed by a reception.
