Latest news with #Apia
ABC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
'So much talent': Pacific Break Samoa launch concert highlights region's best music acts
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 )
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Fresh faces join political veterans in Samoa's 2025 election race
Ballot boxes for the 2021 elections. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Tipi Autagavaia With less than nine weeks left until Samoa's early election, several senior public servants are throwing their hats in the ring. One of the higher profile nominees so far is Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma, the director general and chief executive of the Ministry of Health in Samoa. In a recent statement, the Ministry of Health announced Aiono had submitted his resignation effective 30 June in order to contest Samoa's general election on August 29. It comes six months before the end of his three-year contract. He assumed the role in 2022 having previously held the position of Vice Chancellor at the National University of Samoa. The statement said Aiono had intended to serve out his full contract but the early date for the national election, orginally scheduled to take place next year, prompted his premature departure. Aiono, who submitted his four weeks' notice on the 30th of May, said he leaves with a heavy heart but has confidence in the team's capability. He said he will be standing under the FAST banner. Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma (file image) Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tipi Autagavaia "Sometimes you push and push, but certain things don't get done, so I thought that I will throw my hat in the ring and try to push from a different angle," Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma said. "And hopefully, when I'm in parliament and I can have the influence to get things done and make things happen and then some of the projects and programs that we're looking at could actually move a little bit faster." Aiono said he chose to run under the banner of the FAST because there is strong support for the party in his electorate. "My electorate as you know its a HRPP electorate for the past two, three, four, five parliament sessions. But I've decided really that there's an incumbent in the HRPP (Human Rights Protection Party) seat and therefore I thought of running for the FAST party," he said. Aiono had faced some criticism online since making his intention to contest in the election public. Some of the critics even questioned his eligibility to contest alleging he had not lived in Samoa for the past three years consecutively which is a requirement under the electoral act . Aiono insists he is eligible. "I am eligible, I've checked all the requirements, I've looked up my passport because I need to have the time in the country which is three years, and they've all checked out." "It's something all candidates will have to do (to prove) I don't know why this Journalist targeted me, but we and I need to remember that when we post something online we still represent the profession." Aiono said. Joining Aiono is High-profile public servant Land and Titles Court Judge Faumuina Leilua Opapo Soani who is awaits a warrant from head of state Tuimalealiifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvi II. Speaking to local media last week he said he was waiting on approval from the head of state. "We are under a special Commission under the Ministry of Justice and we will wait for a warrant from the Head of State to make our resignations official as LTC Judges,." "The deadline for nominees is on July 12, and by that time, the warrant should be issued by the Head of State," said Faumuina who is one of at least two nominees from the judiciary reported to be entering the election race. Under the HRPP (Human Rights Protection Party), Tiatia Graeme Tualaulelei, a well-known public figure, who last served as the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. He was terminated in 2021 by the Speaker of the House, Papalii Li'o Ta'eu Masipa'u who provided no details of the grounds for his suspension at the time. Tiatia addressed local media at the HRPP headquarters, following an introduction by his village council and supporters. He expressed his desire to seize this opportunity to serve his constituency. "I will make sure to voice the concerns and the needs of these people in parliament," Tiatia said. "These developments include health, education, employment opportunities for youth and better roads." Tiatia is competing for the Vaimauga No.4 seat against caretaker Minister of Police, Faualo Harry Schuster, and former Minister of Justice Faaolasa Katopau Ainu'u. Faaolasa, is intending to contest under the newly established Samoa Labour Party campaigning on economic reform and welfare of families. Party secretary Su'a Tanielu Su'a told local media at a recent launch event 14 individuals are interested in running under the SLP banner. Faaolasa Katopau Ainu'u said they decided to create their own party because they felt the Human Rights Protection Party no longer needed them. "That is the decision from the HRPP executive to pick their candidates, and I don't think we are needed there anymore and believe they will be in a much better boat with someone else." said Faaolesa. A break away faction of the FAST Party led by care taker prime minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa have also set up a new party called Samoa Uniting Party. Its membership at creation consisted of 14 breakaway FAST MPs and a former HRPP candidate Maulolo Tavita Amosa. Speaking at the SUP party launch Caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said out of tragedy something new and important has been born. "Let us talk about now and not remain in the past, but the situation on where we stand and our duties in cabinet remain, it is the door as to why we are here through our constituencies. "The 15 of us, 14 Ministers and 1 Faleomavaega [a former minister] who did the right thing due to an incident and resigned. "The question is why do we want this party? The answer is a no brainer, we want to keep on the work we promised we would do from the dissolution, due to the budget failing of to pass. According to the Samoa Electoral Act in order to be eligible to run as a candidate in the election a person has to be a citizen of Samoa, a registered voter and hold a Matai title registered before lodgement day. They also have to have lived in Samoa for three consecutive years up to lodgement day (this is the day a person lodges their nomination paper). Another unique requirement is the person has to have rendered Monotaga - which is defined as services to a village within the constituency they are intending to run as a candidate for. A person is disqualified from contesting if they do not meet the above requirements. And also if they have been convicted, in Samoa or any other country within the previous eight years, of an offence punishable by death or imprisonment for a term of four years or more. According to the Samoa Electoral Commission Office there are seven political parties registered to contest the 29 August election. In alphabetical order they are: Left to right: FAST Party chairman La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, opposition leader Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. Photo: RNZ Pacific/123RF/Samoa Government/FAST Party The political turmoil in the country began in January, leading Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa to confront two votes of no confidence; the first occurred on February 25, followed by the second on March 6. Last month, she admitted defeat when her government's budget was rejected finally opting to dissolve parliament. The Parliament was officially dissolved on June 3, and as of last week, dates were officially confirmed for the upcoming elections. A pre-polling day for the elections will be on the 27 August, with the elections to follow on 29 August. The electoral roll will close on 4 July, with voter registrations needing to be completed by 3 July. All candidate nominations will close between the 7 and 12 of July.
ABC News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Revisiting the music of Vanuatu's Yosh Shing, musician AND Olympian!
For our mid-week session of Nesia Daily, we wake up with a stack of Samoan music to keep the vibes going, as well as some great stories from the Vault. With Michael and Jacob still in Samoa ahead of launch of Pacific Break for 2025, Sose Fuamoli is back to host the show, checking in with Michael out in Apia. We revisit chats with phenomenal islander talent including Tahitian comedian, Christopher Pernat; Tongan visual and audio artist, Dr. Sione Faletau; award-winning PNG sports commentator and journalist, Jamie Haro; and Ni-Van Olympian and musician, Yosh Shing! Shing's music reached a new peak in 2025 with the release of his debut album, Island Life, a perfect record to get us through into the second half of the week. To get a taste of Shing's vibe, check out one of our fave tracks of his, 'Man Ples'.
RNZ News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Flying Fijians and Manu Samoa rugby squads revealed
The Flying Fijians putting in some defense work against Manu Samoa at Apia Park on Saturday. 29 July 2023. Photo: Piui Simi / Samoa Observer Player omissions were noticed when the Flying Fijians and Manu Samoa head coaches announced their respective squads for upcoming international commitments. Flying Fijians new manager Paula Biu, himself a former national rep, announced a 32-member squad in Suva on Wednesday afternoon, minus veteran centre Semi Radradra, number eight Peceli Yato, Fijian Drua fullback Vuate Karawalevu and former All Black, Pita Gus Sowakula. Head coach Mick Byrne, fielding questions from the media after the announcement, said some players were unavailable because of club changes and movements. Radradra is moving to Japan but both Yato and Sowakula are in France, their absence raised by the media at the team announcement. Manu Samoa's anouncement on Tuesday also had the same effect with fans and the media asking where are some of the consistent performers with Moana Pasifika during the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Names mentioned included flanker Miracle Failangi, who was joint top try-scorer with Kyren Taumoefolau for Moana Pasifika this year. Also missing is livewire hooker Sama Malolo and halfback Jonathan Taumeiteine. Moana Pasifika quartet Failagi, Taumateine, Danny Toala and Lalomilo Lalomilo are busy with the National Provincial Championship in New Zealand. Hurricanes scrumhalf Ereatara Enari is also committed to NPC. Manu Samoa head coach, Lemalu Tusi Pisi, said the selection has been a mix of young and experienced players, who will rise to the occasion when needed to. A big addition to the Flying Fijians squad is that of former Hurricanes utility backline player Salesi Rayasi. Rayasi, who now plays out of France, is set to make his debut for the Fijians against either the Wallabies or Scotland in July. The Flying Fijians face the Wallabies in Sydney on 6 July and Scotland in Suva the weekend after, in their opening matches of the 2025 Test series. The Fijians will then defend their Pacific Nations Cup title from August, with matches against Tonga and Samoa, before the elimination series against Canada, USA and Japan. Flying Fijian head coach Mick Byrne. Photo: ©INPHO/Ben Brady Byrne said it is exciting time for the team, with new players added and others missing out. He thanked all the players who had stated their willingness to play for Fiji. He said some quality players have missed the final 32 announced. The initial squad had over 80 players. "We are very excited by the squad that we've named," he said. "Both Australia and Scotland are established tier one sides, and we know the level we need to rise to. This squad reflects the depth, strength; and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud. "We've got some very good experienced hands in there with a couple of young players that we've given the opportunity to." Byrne said the Flying Fijians now face the tough challenge of having to step up and play consistently as a tier one nation, with the team's inclusion in the Nations Cup competition from 2026. "We are excited by the future of the game for our Flying Fijians," he stated. "Over the past year we have been gven the oppoprtunity to play one or two tier one teams. As of next year we are in the Nations Cup," he said. "We are now part of the Nations Cup, which is a combination of both the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship competitions. We now need to step up as an organisation and as a group of players. "We need to adress the fact that we are now tier one and everything we are doing as an organisation and as a group must reflect that, and we are looking forward to the next window of opportunity to present Fiji to the world." Fijian Drua captain for 2025 Tevita Ikanivere will replaces former captain Waisea Nayacalevu, who announced his retirement from international rugby a week ago. New players named in the squad includes Drua halfback Philip Baselala, Hawkes Bay scrumhalf Sam Wye, Kavaia Tagivetaua and former Fiji under-20 captain Motikai Murray. A total of 13 players from the Fijian Drua, 10 players based in France, five based in England and one from New Zealand are in the Fiji squad. The Flying Fijians 32-member squad: Forwards: Eroni Mawi (Saracens - UK), Luke Tagi (Bayonne, FR), Haereiti Hetet (Fijian Drua), Mesake Doge (Fijian Drua), Peni Ravai (Fijian Drua), Tevita Ikanivere (Captain - Fijian Drua), Sam Matavesi (Lyon - FR), Kavaia Tagivetaua (Fijian Drua), Isoa Nasilasila (Fijian Drua), Mesake Vocevoce (Fijian Drua), Temo Mayanavanua (Northhampton-UK), Setareki Turagacoke (Stade Francais-FR), Viliame Mata (Bristol-UK), Elia Canakaivata (Fijian Drua), Lekima Tagitagivalu (Pau-FR), Albert Tuisue (Gloucester-UK), Etonia Waqa (Fijian Drua), Motikai Murray (Fijian Drua); Backs - Simione Kuruvoli (Fijian Drua), Philip Baselala (Fijian Drua), Sam Wye (Hawkes Bay-NZ), Caleb Muntz (Fijian Drua), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (Fijian Drua), Vilimoni Botitu (Castres-FR), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92-FR), Iosefo Baleiwairiki Masi (Fijian Drua), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne-FR), Kalaveti Ravouvou (Bristol-UK), Ponipate Loganimasi (Fijian Drua), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon-FR), Selestino Ravutaumada (Fijian Drua), Salesi Rayasi (Vannes-FR). Meanwhile, Manu Samoa have a number of players who play in the United States and compete - or have competed - in the Major Rugby League there. Former USA Eagles prop Titi Lamositele is recalled after missing out on World Cup selection, along with Houston hooker Pita Anae-Ah Sue, San Diego scrumhalf Connor Tupai, Utah duo Aki Seiuli and D'Angelo Leuila, Seattle pair Olajuwon Noa and Rodney Iona, and NOLA Gold star Jonah Mau'u. Former Colorado Raptors forwards Marco Fepulea'i, Michael Curry, and Sam Slade keep their places in the squad. Loose forward Niko Jones, who played for Old Glory in 2023, has been included in the Manu Samoa squad, like his father and former All Black star La'auli Savae Michael Jones did. Head coach Pisi said the fact that the Pacific Nations Cup doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 World Cup means they will have to be at their best. The Nations Cup will see Samoa meet Fiji and Tonga before getting into the eliminations against Canada, Japan and USA. Pisi said he is excited by the squad and the selection is a balanced one, with some unavailable because of injury. Samoa's now coach, Tusi Pisi in his playing days. Photo: AFP "I have chosen warriors who understand the weight of the jersey," Pisi stated during the squad announcement at the Lakapi Samoa head office in Apia. "Our selection blends experience with fresh talent-players, who rise to the challenge of representing our people. "With our first test against Scotland, we respect them, but we play for Samoa. And with the Pacific Nations Cup, it becomes our battlefield for World Cup qualification where every tackle, every scrum, and every point is a step towards Australia 2027." The international season will kick-off with a landmark test match against Scotland on Friday, 18 July. lakapi Samoa chief executive Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun said Manu Samoa have a challenging season ahead. The side will play their home matches away from Apia, since Apia Park is closed for major repairs, with the test against Scotland in Auckland and the Nations Cup clash against Fiji in Rotorua . "Congratulations to head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi and our selectors on naming our first Manu Samoa squad of the year," he said. "A special acknowledgment as well to all our new debutants, a proud moment not just for them, but for their families, villages, and communities who've stood behind them every step of the way. "It's a significant occasion for Lakapi Samoa as we prepare to face a proud tier one nation like Scotland at Eden Park. "This historic test, along with the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup, are key steps as we continue to build depth, strengthen connections, and reignite pride in the jersey heading into the next international cycle." Chun said the Scotland test provides a crucial platform for Pisi and his players, before heading into the Nations Cup series. Manu Samoa squad: Forwards - Titi Lamositele (Harlequins, UK), Aki Seiuli (Utah Warriors, MLR), Kaynan Siteine-Tua (Western Sydney Two Blues, AU), Pita Anae-Ah Sue (Houston SaberCats, MLR), Leif Schwencke (Linton Lions), Luteru Tolai (Biarritz, FR), Michael Ala'alatoa (Clermont Auvergne, FR), Bradley Amituanai (Waratahs, AU), Marco Fepulea'i (Colomiers, FR), Tietie Tuimauga (Montauban, FR), Michael Curry (Moana Pasifika), Ben Nee-Nee (Kamaishi Seawaves, JP), Sam Slade (Moana Pasifika), Malaesaili Elato (Apia Marist), Niko Jones (Waitemata, NZ), Iakopo Mapu (Northampton Saints, UK), Jonah Mau'u (NOLA Gold, MLR), Theo McFarland (captain., Saracens, UK), Olajuwon Noa (Seattle Seawolves, MLR), Taleni Seu (Toyota Shuttles, JP); Backs - Joel Lam (Canterbury, NZ), Melani Matavao (Moana Pasifika), Connor Tupai (San Diego Legion, MLR), Rodney Iona (Seattle Seawolves, MLR), D'Angelo Leuila (Utah Warriors, MLR), Jacob Umaga (Benetton Treviso, IT), Afa Moleli (Ardmore Marist, NZ), Melani Nanai (Capilano, CA), Duncan Paia'aua (Toulon, FR), Henry Taefu (Osaka Red Hurricanes, JP), Elisapeta Alofipo (Hunter Wildfires, AU), Tomaso Alosio (Ardmore Marist, NZ), Taunu'u Niulevaea (Samoa Sevens), Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong (Western Sydney Two Blues, AU), Tuna Tuitama (Moana Pasifika).
ABC News
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
ABC Radio Australia's Pacific Break returns in 2025
ABC Radio Australia's Pacific Break, the Pacific's biggest music competition, is back for 2025. From Friday 27 June 2025, the search begins to discover the Pacific and Timor Leste's best original artist. The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to perform at WOMADelaide, Australia's biggest international music, arts and dance festival. This year, Pacific Break launches for the first time in Samoa with a free, star-studded concert at iconic Friendship Park in downtown Apia. On the line-up are Pacific music's biggest names including Pacific Break past winners Chris Rohoimae (2024, Solomon Islands), Ju Ben (2023, Fiji) and Danielle (2022, Papua New Guinea) and Samoan superstars, country music icon Mr Cowboy and soulful vocal queen Tofaga Meke. Pacific Break's 2025 judges have also been announced, with Australian-based Fijian artist and label head Joji Malani joining returning judges PNG-born Australian neo soul diva Ngaiire, WOMADelaide Associate Director Annette Tripodi, and ABC Radio Australia music presenters, Hau Lātūkefu ( In The Fale ) and Sose Fuamoli ( Sista Sounds and On The Record ). According to Malani, "Pacific Break has played an important role in showcasing talent from across the Pacific in a way no other competition has done before. There is a unique sophistication within our cultures—deeply rooted yet universally relatable—and Pacific Break provides a platform to share that with the world. I'm humbled to contribute, even in a small way, to this important movement.' Fuamoli said: 'It is exciting to see the return of Pacific Break for 2025! It is such a special platform for a diverse range of artists from throughout the region. In previous years we have seen how both winners and finalists have benefited from the radio, television and social support of the competition and I look forward to meeting this year's class of nominees and seeing who takes out the top honour for 2025.' Lātūkefu said: 'The talent pool in our neck of the woods is so deep. It always has been. We just need the opportunities for our musicians' talent to be seen and to be heard. That's why it's so important for something like Pacific Break to exist so the rest of our region and the world can hear the beauty that we hear. I'm super excited for this year to kick off!' Find out more about the Pacific music industry leaders who will be deciding Pacific Break's 2025 winner and what they are looking for here. PACIFIC BREAK 2025 – THE LAUNCH CONCERT Celebrate the return of Pacific Break with a free, all-ages launch concert at Friendship Park, Apia, Samoa on Friday 27 June. Come along from 5pm West Samoa Time (WST) with performances from 6pm to 9pm. Click here for more event details. PACIFIC BREAK – THE COMPETITION Competition entries open at 9am AEST on Friday 27 June 2025 and will be open until 11:59pm AEST on Monday 25 August 2025. For more information about Pacific Break visit For all media enquiries, contact: Annalise Ramponi, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, ABC International
