Latest news with #MrCowboy
ABC News
30-06-2025
- 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 )
ABC News
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Pacific Break 2025 will launch in Samoa — here's what you need to know
ABC Radio Australia's Pacific Break, the Pacific's biggest music competition, is back for 2025. On Friday, June 27 2025, the search begins to discover the Pacific and Timor Leste's best original artist. Pacific Break will launch for the first time in Samoa with a star-studded concert at iconic Friendship Park in Apia. Best of all, it's free. Here's what you need to know. When and where is the launch concert? This year's Pacific Break launch event will be taking place in downtown Samoa, at Friendship Park in Apia. Friday, June 27. Free entry from 5pm Friday, June 27. Free entry from 5pm Performances will run from 6 - 9pm Who is playing? This year's concert features a star-studded line-up of Pacific Break's biggest names, plus some of Samoa's biggest local acts. Mr. Cowboy (Samoa) Mr. Cowboy (Samoa) Tofaga Meke (Samoa) Tofaga Meke (Samoa) Chris Rohoimae (Solomon Islands, Pacific Break Winner 2024) Chris Rohoimae (Solomon Islands, Pacific Break Winner 2024) Ju Ben (Fiji, Pacific Break Winner 2023) Ju Ben (Fiji, Pacific Break Winner 2023) Danielle (PNG, Pacific Break Winner 2022) Plus more! The event will be hosted by Young Sefa, and Michael Chow and Jacob McQuire from ABC Radio Australia's Nesia Daily. Samoa's Sam Ah Chookoon, aka Mr Cowboy, will be performing at the Pacific Break 2025 launch concert. ( Supplied ) Do I need to purchase tickets? No, this event is family-friendly, all ages, and free. Will there be food and drinks available? Food stalls will be available at Friendship Park, selling food and non-alcoholic beverages. Adjacent to the concert, Apia's monthly Waterfront Night Market will also be taking place at the Samoa Cultural Village, with many delicious food and drink options for you and the family. Pacific Break is an alcohol and drug-free event. Ju Ben performs at the Pacific Break launch concert in Fiji last year. ( Supplied ) Want to know more about the 2025 Pacific Break competition? Once again, ABC Radio Australia is on the hunt for the next big Pacific artist! Pacific Break is ABC Radio Australia's yearly grassroots music competition that aims to uncover the best original and unsigned talent from across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. Entries for this year's competition will open Friday, June 27 and run until midnight, Monday, August 25. Submit your original track via WhatsApp, email and online and you could be the next winner, taking off on an all-expenses-paid trip to perform at WOMADelaide, Australia's biggest world music festival. Find out more by heading online to The winner will be announced on ABC Radio Australia's morning program Nesia Daily on Thursday, October 16 2025. Anything else I should know? Please note the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will be filming a television program during this event. By attending the event, you are giving permission to be filmed as part of the event, and as such, your image could be included in the on-air program as well as online.
