Nenes
ネーネーズ
Singers
Nenes [sisters in Okinawan] is a famous Okinawan folk group composed of four women, founded by sanshin player and folk singer China Sadao in 1990. They have achieved an international recognition and provided background vocals [hayashi] for Amuro Namie’s 2000 song NEVER END.
‘Hayashi’ are interjecting sounds that equals to cheers in folksongs and festivals. Okinawan music typically features the hayashi ‘Ha iya sasa’.
The members of the band have changed through time. While the founding members were Koja Misako, Yoshida Yasuko, Miyazato Namiko and Hiyane Yukino, the band was composed of Koyama Ryoko, Miyagi Erina, Ikei Kiyoka and Hirata Keiko in 2000.
Recordings
NEVER END (2000)
Hayashi [Okinawan Background Vocals]