Congratulations to Ben Fairfield on the Book: Kani Ka ʻŌpala: How Can Garbage Sing?

We are excited to announce the recent publication of a unique and illustrative book by Dr. Benjamin Fairfield, CSEAS Affiliate Faculty at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. The book, titled Kani Ka ʻŌpala: How Can Garbage Sing?, explores the innovative use of recycled materials to create musical instruments. 

Please find more information about the book: kani-ka-ʻopala-how-can-garbage-sing.

About the Book:
Kani Ka ʻŌpala: How Can Garbage Sing?
Written and Illustrated by Benjamin Fairfield
Published by University of Hawai‘i Press

A story and hands-on exploration of music made from rubbish!
“What is garbage?” asks Baba.
“Garbage is something nobody wants or needs,” I say. “It’s junk! Rubbish! Trash! ʻŌpala! Something worthless… Like that potato chip bag.”
Then he asks, “Hey, do you think our little chip bag friend can sing?”
“No, silly!” I say.
“Everything has a voice,” he says.
“So it’s not worthless?”
“Everything has worth,” he says. “I ola ʻoe i ola mākou nei. When they thrive, we thrive.”
“Kani ka ʻŌpala” tells the story of a father and daughter who turn trash into musical instruments, and shows you how to do it too! A perfect book to teach keiki about the importance of reusing, recycling, and taking care of our island home.

About the Author:
He received his PhD and MA in Ethnomusicology from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 2007-2009. His ongoing research focuses on ethnic identity in northern Thailand as mediated by music with a particular emphasis on Karen music, participatory genres, materiality, and ecomusicology. Ben serves as affiliate faculty at the University of Hawai‘i Music Department, where he founded the Thai Ensemble (MUS 311M), a participatory and hands-on course where students make their own instruments from found, discarded, and recycled objects. Thai Ensemble will be offered in the Fall 2025!