Bringing the sunny isles of Hawaii to you!
Matthew Quilliam’s Kanikapila Collective authentically captures the uplifting tones of a Hawaiian band, armed with an infectious rhythm, feel-good songs and endless charm.
Perfect for something different and fun at your event, the collective is available in a variety of configurations from a 3-piece band for the full effect, a more compact 2-piece option or a roaming solo ukulele player. We even partner up with a Hawaiian dance troupe to help really complete that tropical feel!
Perhaps you might enjoy some tropical Hawaiian tunes, or some foot-tapping 30s & 40s swing, or a right up-to-date selection of classic and current hits. Matthew can play a wide range of fun songs from throughout the decades ensuring there is something for everyone!
The collective have serenaded for a great variety of clinets, such as at the University of West London, Wyboston Lakes Resort and a number of private weddings and parties across the UK.
“Thank you for the Hawaiian music, you could really feel the vibe!”
Private Client, 2023
Songs…
…and more!
“The future of the ukulele”
Giovanni Albini, Professor of Ukulele, Conservatorio Antonio Vivaldi, Italy, 2022
“One day soon, you’ll be up there with the greats of the ukulele”
Peter Moss, international professional ukulele player, 2021
“You’re going to be the top guy”
Aaron Crowell, Hawaii Music School, 2020
“one of the most hard working, adaptive, versitile and complete ukulele players on the scene“
Samantha Muir, ukulele PhD doctorate, 2023
A fresh new talent on the ukulele, already making a huge impression.
Sometime in mid-2011, a young boy picked up his first ukulele, quickly becoming fascinated with the instrument. 12 years later and Matthew Quilliam became the first person to use the ukulele for an entire music degree, graduating in 2023 with first class honours, as well as getting to grips with many other stringed instruments including guitar and banjo.
Thanks to his life-long connection and expertise with the instrument, he has developed a wide skill set and a popular range of shows, whilst showing no signs of slowing down.
Versatility is in abundance when it comes to Matthew’s capabilities. With his boundless energy and his trademark smile, Matthew is sure to leave any audience wanting more.
Matthew has opened for John Otway (Really Free) and Pete Lincoln (10cc). In 2025 is he was nominated for the ‘Best UK Ukulele Player’ award at the ‘Ukies’.
Based in southern UK, his travels have brought him to appear at Grand Northern, Bracklesham, Isle of Wight, Yeovil and Shrewkfest Ukulele Festivals, Chichester Jazz Club, Concorde Club Eastleigh, Princess Hall Aldershot, Oktoberfest Swindon, Didcot Railway Centre, Weyfest, Abbey Road Studios & internationally in Italy, France, Germany and Poland.
On top of that, he has composed for a handful of albums and films, educational and examined ukulele material for ABRSM, the London College of Music and the London Ukulele Project, as well as written live pit band music for Chichester Festival Theatre.
Matthew Quilliam 