Biography of Brittni Paiva

For Brittni Paiva and her ukulele, it was love at first touch. Affectionately called the ukulele darling and slack key supergirl for her remarkable instrumental proficiency, Brittni walked away with the 2005 Na Hoku Hanohano “Most Promising Artist Award” at the age of 16 for her debut recording, Brittni X 3 in which she played all three parts—ukulele, guitar and bass.

At age 17 she released her second CD entitled  HEAR…, which was awarded the 2006 Hawaii Music Awards “Ukulele Album of the Year” and which also received two nominations for the 2006 Na Hoku Hanohano categories for “Best Instrumental Album of the Year” and “Favorite Entertainer of the Year.“

Now at 18-years-old, the do-it-all girl has done it again with the release of her third CD Brittni.   It’s hard to believe that in barely a year, this young musician could produce another CD that would equal or better her last CD, “Hear…” 

This Hilo native, born September 28, 1988, has an ethnic background almost as diverse as her music.  Of Portuguese, Danish, Japanese and Hawaiian lineage, Brittni began her musical training at age four, studying classical piano under the Suzuki method.  At age 11, her grandfather introduced her to the ukulele.   Brittni immediately connected with this traditional Hawaiian string instrument that would become the heart of her music. She went on to embrace ki ho`alu  (Hawaiian slack key guitar) and bass. “I want the strings to be my voice and portray as much feeling as a singer would,” Paiva says.  Two vocal tracks on her third CD reveal that strings are not Brittni's only voice.

In her debut CD, this prodigiously talented teen said she was "looking forward to continuing to demonstrate the versatility of the ukulele by incorporating many different styles of music on this instrument.”   She has accomplished just that! 

Brittni was the keynote speaker at a June 2006 high school commencement on her home island, and is often asked to speak at schools.  She encourages future generations with her hard work and focus model to success.  She inspires others along her musical journey.  Brittni knows the joyful experience of playing an instrument, and participates in the annual Ukulele Guild of Hawaii’s Uke for Kids program.   Ukes for Kids provides ukuleles to underprivileged children. 

Brittni just recently celebrated her home school graduation from high school.  She is currently working on an online Master’s Certificate Program in Arranging, from Berklee College of Music. 

A multi-talented musician-composer-arranger, who is known for her instrumental dexterity and strength, Brittni has come into her own.   Her repertoire encompasses many eras and a variety of genres and appeals to a wide range of audiences.   From the classical period to the modern, from the Latin rhythms to the fiery csardas, the spin and style of her performance is uniquely Brittni Paiva! 

(updated 11-2006)