Musical instruments come in all shapes and sounds—stringed, wind, percussion, and more. Among these, the ukulele is a relatively recent addition. Well, fairly recent.

The ukulele, or “uke”, first emerged toward the end of the 19th century. A member of the lute family, it’s a fretted chordophone that became synonymous with Hawaiian music and culture. The story begins around 1879-1880, when three woodworkers from Madeira, Portugal, migrated to Hawaii. Just 140 years later, the ukulele has become Hawaii’s national instrument.

Curiously, the ukulele’s basic chords differ from traditional chordophones, and while some speculate that the density of its wood might be a factor, no one really knows for sure.

How the Ukulele Came to Be

In 1879, Madeira faced famine and unemployment, pushing many to seek work abroad. Hawaii, in contrast, needed laborers for its sugar plantations. The three Portuguese woodworkers who emigrated to Hawaii weren’t instrument makers by trade—they were cabinetmakers. However, they were familiar with the Portuguese brinquinos, a popular local stringed instrument, as well as mandolins, banjos, and guitars. Using spare wood from their ship, they crafted a version of the brinquinos to entertain fellow passengers during the long journey.

And so, the ukulele was born. Its name possibly comes from “ukelele” or “pulga,” which means flea, referring either to the fleas on the ship or the nimbleness of strummers’ fingers, which resembled fleas jumping over the strings.

Upon safely arriving in Hawaii, the three men reportedly played their ukuleles as they disembarked, giving thanks for their safe passage. From then on, they continued making ukuleles while working on the plantations.

After their contracts ended, each man set up a woodworking business, incorporating ukulele-making into their trade. The instrument, however, had already caught the attention of Hawaiians, who embraced it wholeheartedly.

The Ukulele and King Kalākaua

The instrument’s popularity received a major boost thanks to King Kalākaua, Hawaii’s beloved “Merrie Monarch.” Kalākaua, who ruled from 1874 to 1891, was a great patron of the arts and culture. He personally played the ukulele, composed melodies for it, and encouraged its widespread use. Under his influence, the ukulele became a symbol of Hawaiian music and culture, paving the way for its lasting legacy.

Global Spread and Cultural Impact

By the early 20th century, the ukulele’s charm had crossed the Pacific. During World War I, American soldiers had ukuleles in their training camps, and the instrument was even introduced to hospitals in Australia to boost morale among recovering veterans. Its popularity grew further with the advent of Hollywood films, where stars like George Formby strummed ukuleles to entertain troops during World War II.

After a brief lull post-war, the ukulele enjoyed a resurgence with the advent of rock ‘n’ roll. Even legends like Elvis Presley and George Harrison of The Beatles embraced the instrument, sparking renewed interest.

The Ukelele’s Modern Resurgence

The mid-1980s saw another wave of ukulele popularity, thanks to the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (UOGB). Their tongue-in-cheek versions of classical and popular songs delighted audiences worldwide, and the group continues to perform globally at venues like London’s Barbican Centre and the Edinburgh Festival.

Today, the ukulele is a global phenomenon, with virtuosos from Japan, the USA, and Britain touring internationally. The instrument is featured in genres as diverse as jazz, funk, rock, flamenco, and even dark cabaret. Elvis’s influence lives on too—ukuleles painted with his image remain hot sellers, and global pop stars like Taylor Swift have included ukulele performances in their live shows. Yes! She played a ukelele at The ’G back in February.

The Ukulele Community in 2024

In 2024, the ukulele is still going strong, with enthusiasts of all ages coming together to share their love for the instrument. Take Melbourne, for example: the city boasts a vibrant uke community, with weekly meetups and an active Facebook group. From Brunswick to St. Kilda and beyond, ukulele players gather to strum together at local festivals, markets, and events.

Whether it’s at international festivals or community jams, the ukulele’s legacy continues to thrive, proving that this “fairly recent” instrument is here to stay.

So, if you’re looking to join the fun, grab a uke, tune it up, and start strumming—just like they did back in 1879!