Music of Samoa

From Freepedia

Polynesian music
Easter Island
Fiji
French Polynesia: Marquesas and Tahiti
Hawaii
New Zealand: Cook Islands - Maori - Niue - Tokelau
Samoa
Tonga
Tuvalu
Wallis and Futuna

The Samoas are a Polynesian island chain, currently divided between the independent state of Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) and an American territory called American Samoa. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, there were two musical instruments in use in Samoa. A pate, a hollowed-out log, and the fala, a rolled-up mat beaten with sticks. Both were percussion instruments, accompanied by singing. Much of Samoan history and culture were communicated through song and dance, both of which were integral parts of Samoan life; most Samoan folk music was narrative in structure. Traditionally, the fiafia was a musical or theatrical presentation celebrating a special event in which performance groups alternated in an attempt to outdo each others' efforts; in modern times, however, it is a hotel performance in which dances like the siva Samoa and sa sa are performed.

After Europeans came to Samoa, two new instruments were produced and quickly became commonplace: the sielo and ukulele, both string instruments.

"Amerika Samoa", a song with words by Mariota Tiumalu Tuiasosopo and music by Napoleon Andrew Tuiteleleapaga, has been official territorial anthem of American Samoa since 1950. "The Banner of Freedom", a song which honors the flag of Samoa, has been the national anthem of Samoa since 1962; it was composed by Sauni Iiga Kuresa.

Modern music

Modern pop and rock have a large audience in Samoa, as well as several native bands; these bands have abandoned most elements of Samoan traditional music, though there are folky performers. However, recently the Samoan population has seen a resurgence of Old Samoan songs, re-mixed of course in the style of Hawaiian reggae with many traditional elements, such as the use of the Pate and the chord structure still in use. New Zealand continues to produce many of the modern popular Samoan stars such as Jamoa Jam and Pacific Soul as well as The United States. Even the traditional "Pese Lotu" (Church Songs) have seen a fair amount of change. Many pop bands are associated with a particular hotel, such as the RSA Band and the Mount Vaia Band. Some hotel bands have toured abroad, in places like New Zealand. Pop musicians also include the Lole, Golden Ali'is and The Five Star, along with Jerome Gray, whose "We Are Samoa" remains an unofficial national anthem.

Samoans abroad have achieved limited musical renown. The Boo-Yaa Tribe had a brief flirtation with the American mainstream, while the Samoan Sisters found more lasting fame in New Zealand.

The shows My Idol and Samoa Star Search have become an important musical contest in Samoa.

Modern Samoan music clearly shows the degree of influence of electrical instruments Jazz, and Reggae, and even some house and techno styles. However, the Samoan way of life still shines out in the sometimes mournful tone of the music but more often, the fast-paced celebratory beats and rhythms.

Overall, Music is an integral part of Samoan life. The most important and essential avenue has always been the voice. They mourn, rejoice, and reflect every emotion in the music that is sung. The Past, present, and sometimes the near future is put to song. Everyone sings, despite the cause, despite the situation, and most often, despite ones ability to do so.

On the International Scale

Despite growing popular and well known, Samoan bands are limited internationally wise. However, they have produced well known talents. The band Kulcha (which consisted of 3 Samoans and one Maori) gained great popularity not only in Samoa and New Zealand, but also in Australia and the United States. While they were not a great commerical success as compared to western boy bands, they were not only great talents, but gained great success that is yet to be toppled by any other Islander band.

The Katinas, whom moved to the United States at one point of their lives, is another popular Samoan band. They made a recent appearence at last year's Junior Youth Christian Program in Melbourne, Australia. The latest trend in Samoan music is trhe band Random, whom won Australia's X Factor competition in 2005. They released their single Put Your Hands Up in the same year and were welcomed with great success amongst Australia and New Zealand.