Music of Samoa
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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. Before the arrival of Europeans, musical instruments in use in Samoa included a hollowed-out log (pate) and the fala, a rolled-up mat, beaten with sticks. Both were percussion instruments, which often accompanied singing. Much of Samoan history and culture were communicated through song and dance, both of which were integral parts of Samoan life. 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, it is often a hotel performance, in which dances like the siva Samoa and sasa are performed.
After European contact, two stringed instruments quickly became commonplace in the islands: the guitar (kitara) and the 'ukulele. By the end of the nineteenth century, European-style brass bands had come into existence in the major towns.
"Amerika Samoa", a song with words by Mariota Tiumalu Tuiasosopo and music by Napoleon Andrew Tuiteleleapaga, has been the official territorial anthem of American Samoa since 1950. "The Banner of Freedom," a song that honors the flag of Samoa, has been the national anthem of Samoa since 1962; it was composed by Sauni Iiga Kuresa.
The music of Samoa has been greatly influenced by Western evangelical hymnody and popular music, particularly American popular music. As Christianity took root in the islands, late in the 19th century, ancient songs, accompanied by the percussive sound of sticks beating on a rolled mat, gave way to church choirs singing to the harmonies of pedaled organs. Later still, the onset of the radio years brought more variety, as local artists and audiences embraced each wave of "new" music. The arrival of the U.S. Marines in Samoa during World War II helped solidify the affinity for American popular music. Many earlier bands copied or imitated this music—a trend that continues today. It is common practice and well-accepted for Samoan musicmakers to take a Western song, replace the lyrics with Samoan words, and reintroduce the tune as an original. The guitar and 'ukulele were the most common instruments for composing and performing music. That sound is now often replaced by the electronic keyboard and the multiplex of sounds and faux instruments available with it. Many current Samoan musicians "upgrade" old Samoan tunes with new technology, or imitate and copy American popular music.
[edit] Modern music
Modern pop and rock have a large audience in Samoa, as do several native bands; these bands have abandoned most elements of Samoan traditional music, though there are folky performers. Recently, the Samoan population has seen a resurgence of old Samoan songs, remixed in the style of Hawaiian reggae, but with some traditional elements, such as the use of the pate and the chord structure still in use. New Zealand continues to produce many modern popular Samoan stars, such as Jamoa Jam and Pacific Soul. 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 Vaea Band. Some hotel bands have toured abroad, in New Zealand and elsewhere. Pop musicians include the Lole, Golden Ali'is, and The Five Star, along with Jerome Gray, whose "We Are Samoa" remains an unofficial national anthem. Surprisingly, a Samoan group called Le Pasefika, playing only the old trditional music, has become the hottest-selling Samoan group in the United States. With the current trend, in which Samoan groups imitate or integrate modern pop sound, [Le Pasefika] has moved the opposite direction, recording only the old traditional songs.
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 important musical competitions in Samoa.
Modern Samoan music shows influence from 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 in 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. Singers mourn, rejoice, and reflect every emotion. The past, present, and sometimes the near future are put to song. Everyone sings, despite the cause, despite the situation, and most often, despite one's ability to do so.
[edit] On the International Scale
Despite growing popularity and fame, Samoan bands are limited internationally; however, Samoa has produced well-known talents. The band Past To Present/ Ilanda (1990-2006) (which consisted of three Samoans and one Māori: Frank Laga'aia, Lennie Keller, Norman Keller & Leighton Hema; Hema later left the band due to personal reasons) gained great popularity, not only in Samoa and New Zealand, but also in Australia and the United States. While it was a great commercial success, as compared with Western boy bands, its members were talented, and they gained success that is yet to be equalled by any other islander band. In 2006 they are still in the music industry, either touring, recording or producing, as in their last production of Australia's "Young Divas". Another band with a similar career path and success was the Sydney-based band "Kulcha" who came on the scene for 2 albums but disbanded a couple of years later.
The Katinas, who moved to the United States at one point of their lives, is another popular Samoan band. They made an appearance at the Junior Youth Christian Program in Melbourne, Australia, in 2005.
| Polynesian music |
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| Easter Island - Fiji - Hawaii - Samoa - Tonga - Tuvalu - Wallis and Futuna French Polynesia: Austral - Marquesas and Tahiti - Tuamotus |
[edit] External links
- American Folklife Center's American Samoa page, from the Library of Congress
- [http://www.thekatinas.com
