Let us know if you'd like to see more IZ reactions. Rest in peace Braddah Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole. You will live forever in our hearts and soul. John X Lulu Wicked Fun: linktr.ee/johnxlulu Lulu's Fantasy Show: linktr.ee/cluelesslulu
Bruddah IZ (never "Izzie") passed away in 1997 at age 38. He was so beloved, he was given the rare honor of lying in state in the State Capitol for the hundreds of thousands of mourners to pay their respects. The last scene of the video is the Hawaiian tradition of a "paddle out" to scatter his ashes. Many of IZ's family members passed away early from issues related to obesity and IZ was struggling but trying to deal with his health issues till the end. Yes, Iam should also be aware and concerned about his weight and health issues. I think being away from home (he's lived in Seattle for the last 3 years) and all the special treatment he's getting are not helping with his diet and forms of exercise. I think grieving over the past year also might have contributed to it. He's still only 18 and needs lots of good managers and advisers who are concerned about his well-being as well as his financial and career success from here on.
I love Iam and will follow his career. As someone who lost 100 lbs and is indigenous myself I can say that the western diet has taken a foothold in many of our communities to the point where it’s part of our identity. The bright side is that gaining weight is the “healthy response” to sugar which the body is trying to fight off. So I wish we can take that positivity and promote nutrition-rich low carb diets. No fault to Iam or his family. This is a global issue that we are all a part of. ❤
Been binge watching ER and just saw the episode where Dr Green died. They were playing Izzy singing Over the Rainbow in the background. Loved Izzy's singing and rooted for Iam all through American idol.
I didn't need to cry this morning. IZ can't be replaced - he is a legend. Iam is absolutely amazing and becoming his own person. And that's how it should be. Can't wait to hear more from him❤
Thank you for doing this video of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and Iam Tongi. When I first heard Iam sing, he reminded me of Israel though they don’t sound alike, but they both have this purity in their singing. I was hesitant when I heard Iam was going to do Somewhere Over the Rainbow, because it’s such a classic and iconic song, but Iam did a great job.
I heard Bro. Iz's version of Somewhere over the rainbow for the first time in the movie, "Fifty first Dates" and just cried. I cried and was so proud at the same time for our polynesian brother. He was so talented, beautiful voice, beautiful soul.
Iz was one of the sweetest people with a heart of magical gold. He was so friendly and loving, sadly before making that song he lost a lot of family members. He wouldn't want you to be too sad he'd say "don't cry for me, live in the music and warmth of every day" "I may have passed but I am still playing for each of you in my heart." "Enjoy each moment so each moment is worth living." You'd enjoy is Hawaiian superman song, that one's fun He has a number of good ones unfortunately can't recall them at the moment, I'll have to listen to his cd again.
Thanks so much for spotlighting IZ, those of us who know his music will always love him. I'm glad you mentioned Iam's weight, I think we are all hoping he hires someone to help him get it under control, of course it is part of his identity which we all love so much but we want him around a longgggg time so we can continue to hear his sweet enchanting voice!! I've asked my son to sing Over the Rainbow and It's a Wonderful World someday at my funeral, I love the words soooo much!! So proud of Iam Tongi, can't listen to him without being touched sooooo deeply in my soul!
Love you are sharing our Polynesian artist. Izzy is a legend. Please please please do a reaction to a fellow Poly Stan Walker a kiwi from New Zealand. Amazing Grace and Ultralight Beam. He won American Idol Australia back in the day. Blessed and anointed voice….
I think their size is part of what makes them so lovable... His voice and emotion might not be so impactful if he didn't look the way he did... He's so sweet, innocent, genuine and humble but that might change if he loses weight... There's always something... Keep doing what you're doing Iam, never change who you are even if you do decide to lose weight for health reasons... Not really sure that it was appropriate to bring that up in a reaction for all to see, maybe something people who are a little closer to him could mention in private but other than that I enjoy these reactions. 🙏
Definitely its sad for everyone outside his world. But for everyone that was close to him. All he wanted was to everyone to celebrate his death. Be happy, love each other. So on and so on.
Eva Cassidy also did a cover of somewhere over the rainbow that is so awesome.. there is a live version where she plays the guitar and sings.. not only her vocals, but her playing are just something special.. I am sure you can find it. Sadly she also passed away.
I personally have met IZ's family. Uncle and Aunty have the same last name, and I had to ask if they were related. Sure enough, it was IZ's family. I held their hands and felt the presence of Braddah IZ. Iam is particularly about his song choice and doesn't want to replicate to sound like the artist but want to do justice to sound just as good or better rendition of the song. Iam has a distinct breathy fade away vibrato. The only similarity is IZ is big and IAM is big junior. I can hear both an inhale breath sound. IZ is legendary and Iam did justice of the song.
bruddah "IZ". Not bruddah izzie. He surpassed legendary after his passing. Size doesn't matter when your voice has been passed on to you by the touch of an angel. God has gifted us with his voice for the short time he was given. This shows that God gave him life after death. His legacy lives on beyond the grave. Millions of people live.... but only a few live on as legends. 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙
Aloha and Much Mahalo for the Bruddah IZ. Please listen to his little known but beautiful rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Shout out to my Big Island 'Ohana. Aloha
Please don't call Israel Kamakawiwoole "Izzy". We in Hawaii called him Braddah Iz and his voice was very haunting yet smooth and mesmerizing. His songs have been in so many movies and he is loved around the world. Ian's voice is raspy, also smooth and still maturing. Easy listening. It's almost like they could've been related although Iz was Hawaiian and Iam is Tongan. I was saying the same thing, that I didn't want Iam to suffer the same fate as Braddah Iz. You should listen to iz's albums. Great stuff!
There is only one Braddah IZ!! And one Iam Tongi! Iam is not Even close to what IZ accomplished for us Hawaiians. Probably never will!! That’s why Braddah IZ is a legend!!
You do on Iama page he does the full version aswell also as far as weight goes stop goin on bout the bruddah let it be being big is smaoan and Polynesian and Maori also weight doesn't have an issue with his talent U make it more an issue your talking about
.✨💖✨ Aloha. Enjoy your React videos! I’d like to Add that towards the end of Bruddah IZ’s “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” video, where Friends and Family are gathering in Canoes, Surfboards and Beautiful Leis in the ocean… They are Scattering IZ’s Ashes in the waters of Makaha Beach where IZ Loved So Dearly and spent most of life there. His ashes are in a large Koa bowl. Keep up your Awesome videos! And Hopefully you will come Home from Hawaii’s 9th Island. (Las Vegas) Hawaii has 8 islands Mahalo, Craig 😊💕🤙 .✨💖✨ Aloha. Enjoy your React videos! I’d like to Add that towards the end of Bruddah IZ’s “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” video, where Friends and Family are gathering in Canoes, Surfboards and Beautiful Leis in the ocean… They are Scattering IZ’s Ashes in the waters of Makaha Beach where IZ Loved So Dearly and spent most of life there. His ashes are in a large Koa bowl. Keep up your Awesome videos! And Hopefully you will come Home from Hawaii’s 9th Island. (Las Vegas) Hawaii has 8 islands Mahalo, Craig 😊💕🤙
Just to help with pronunciation on IZ's name.... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-L1GPHBRoGk4.html A lot of other places mispronounced it pretty terribly.
I hope Iam doesn't follow suit, he is overweight for sure. I wish Iam so much love and luck with his career....please lose weight, don't deny the world of your beautiful music.
