'So much talent': Pacific Break Samoa launch concert highlights region's best music acts

Australia Broadcast Center

a day ago

Thousands gathered under the stars at Apia's waterfront on Friday night as Samoa hosted its first Pacific Break launch concert, an event designed to spotlight emerging musical talent from across the region and officially open this year's competition.
For artists like Mr Cowboy, one of Samoa's most recognisable performers, the concert was more than a showcase — it was a platform for stories and opportunity for aspiring artists.
"I've always loved singing, it's something I love sharing with people, to bless their lives with my music and my story," he said.
"The reason I'm involved [in Pacific Break] is because I know there is so much talent across the Pacific that could benefit from expert advice and guidance to further their music careers."
Samoa's very own hip hop artist Mr Tee took the stage performing hit song Pitonuu Solosolo. ( ABC Pacific: Dinah Lewis Boucher )
Each year ABC Radio Australia hunts for the best unsigned musical talent the Pacific region has to offer through the Pacific Break competition.
The concert featured performances from well-known Pacific Break winners, alongside local Samoan acts including Mr Tee, Tofaga Meke and Mr Cowboy, at the free, family friendly event at Apia's Friendship Park.
Young Sefa and Nesia Daily's Jacob McQuire and Michael Chow hosted the night, which saw local crowds turn up in the thousands.
The crowd brought good vibes in Apia on Friday night. ( ABC Pacific: Dinah Lewis Boucher )
In the Pacific, it's often challenging for women to launch careers in the music industry, explained singer-songwriter and 2022 Pacific Break winner Danielle. But winning the competition, she said, helped kickstart her breakout year.
"It has opened doors for me beyond imagination. I've been able to perform in New Zealand, all across Australia at different performances, I've met so many other artists, so the experience is really, really good," Danielle said.
Chris Kamu'ana Rohoimae, Solomon Islands, was crowned Pacific Break winner last year, and Danielle, Papua New Guinea, won in 2022. ( ABC Pacific )
Talented musician and singer from the Malaita Province of the Solomon Islands, Chris Kamu'ana Rohoimae also reflected on the opportunities the competition has created.
Visiting Samoa for the first time, he shared how the platform helped launch his career after winning last year, beating more than 300 entries.
Fijian rapper and songwriter Ju Ben taking the Pacific Break stage. ( ABC Pacific )
Fijian artist Ju Ben, who was a sugarcane worker by day and a hip hop-reggae artist by night when he submitted his winning entry, offered encouragement to others considering entering the competition.
"For all the upcoming artists wanting to enter the Pacific music competition, don't worry about what anyone thinks. If you have the talent, if you have what it takes, please enter," he said.
The crowd came alive when local Samoan artist Tofaga Meke took the stage. ( ABC Pacific: Dinah Lewis Boucher )
Reflecting the shared message of the night, Young Sefa called on emerging Pacific artists to take the leap.
"Creativity, originality is needed. Calling upon all our great artists, musicians, singers out there, this is your chance," Young Sefa said.
"If you overthink and you don't put out any music, this is your chance for your voice of not only yourself, but your culture, to be heard."
Pacific Break Samoa 2025: where the music was loud and the youth had the best moves. ( ABC Pacific: Dinah Lewis Boucher )