Blog

The music industry often shines a spotlight on mainstream artists, leaving many talented Pacific musicians in the shadows. This dynamic is especially true for artists from Samoa, whose rich cultural heritage and diverse musical styles deserve recognition. Today, we want to highlight five emerging Samoan artists who are making waves in the industry and deserve all the flowers for their incredible contributions. 1. TheWesternGuide Aaron, known by his stage name TheWesternGuide or Coach West, is a rising star in the New Zealand music scene. This Samoan musician, recording artist, actor, and producer brings a unique blend of genres to his...

  The traditional Samoan tattoo, known as tatau, malofie, and colloquially as the pe’a, holds profound cultural and historical significance in Samoan society. The traditional female tattoo is known as the malu. Malofie is the respectful term (upu fa’aaloalo) for both tatau and malu, symbolising identity, heritage, and personal achievements in the Samoan culture. This traditional form of body art has been practised for centuries and continues to be a cherished part of Samoan heritage. The art of tatau is deeply rooted in Samoan mythology, social structure, and pre-colonial spirituality. According to legend, Taema and Tilafaiga, Siamese twin demigoddesses, brought...

In our recent blog posts, we've had the incredible opportunity to shine a spotlight on the creative landscape of some Samoan-owned businesses based in Australia and New Zealand, each a beacon of our vibrant culture and cherished values. Today, our journey takes us closer to home as we turn our attention to the successful businesses flourishing right in the heart of the motherland. Join us as we celebrate these 5 homegrown enterprises, each a testament to the resilience and creativity of our Samoan community. This and That Samoa   At This N That, they see their endeavour as more than...

Choosing a name for your new born can be a daunting yet fulfilling task. It's a decision that holds immense significance, particularly in many Pacific cultures, where names are imbued with profound meaning and power. In Samoan culture, a name is not merely a label but a reflection of a child's identity, character, and future path. The words we use and the names we choose carry a unique energy that shapes the bearer's life. With this in mind, we present a selection of meaningful Samoan names for boys, girls, and those that are gender-neutral, helping you find the perfect name...

Samoa, a nation with a rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit like those of its Pacific brothers and sister countries, has a history marked by periods of foreign influence and colonisation. The journey to independence is a story of struggle, resilience, and eventual triumph. As we prepare to celebrate Samoa’s 62nd year of Independence on 1st June 2024, let us reflect on how far we have come.   The Colonial Era Begins 1722: The arrival of Europeans marked the beginning of a new era for Samoa. The islands were first sighted by Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen.   1768: French explorer...