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Singing and performing on the ukulele from as early as five years old, the Super Keiki grew quickly beyond the "my-dog-has-fleas" stage. They were soon appearing on national TV shows and at special events in Disneyland and Japan. Nelly, Jaena, Candyce and Lili have always loved performing with the Super Keiki. They continued to strive for their goals, and raised their level of performance to new heights - thereby forming JOY. Nelly Toyama has performed on the ukulele since the age of five. A large part of her life is dedicated to music; and in addition to playing the ukulele and singing, she also plays guitar. Nelly is a student at the University of Hawaii and teaches ukulele part-time. Jaena Shimabuku joined the Super Keiki at the age of six. She has composed and written her own music. Candyce Narimatsu began taking ukulele lessons at the age of six, when she memorized every chord and technique with apparent ease! Her lightning-fast picking style can be heard on "Super Keiki Theme" and the classic samba, "Cumana." Candyce continues to learn and play ukulele with the same intensity, and teaches ukulele part-time. Lili Sato has played ukulele since the age of nine. As a bright student and fine musician at age fourteen, she became one of the youngest instructors at Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios. In 1991, Lili became leader of the Super Keiki, and has overseen their transformation in JOY. She teaches ukulele full-time and manages Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studio in Kaimuki.
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