Samoan Language Week celebrated with collaborative bilingual Samoan Children’s Album launch
4 June 2025 – In celebration of Samoan Language Week, Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata (MMAA) and award-winning children’s music duo The KaRs have launched a bilingual Samoan album for early childhood learners.
The 10-song album is the first of its kind from this team, designed to support gagana Samoa in early childhood centres and homes across Aotearoa.
Funded by the Palmerston North City Council’s Creative Communities Scheme, the album was produced with Hokozoo Productions, UCOL WorkHub, and featured children from MMAA’s own crèche.
One of the standout voices includes Noelle Fauolo, who played Moana in the award-winning Moana Jr production by Manawatū Youth Theatre.
Kane Parsons of The KaRs shared,
“Their passion for language, culture, and storytelling has brought a beautiful depth to this album. Capturing the voices of young tamaiti was the true heart of this project.”
The album blends Samoan rhymes, hymns, chants, and learning songs for tamaiti (children), faiaoga (teachers), and aiga (families). MMAA Centre Manager Tiana Fauolo said it all started with parents asking what songs their children kept singing at home.
“This album is a learning tool that strengthens the bond between home, identity, and culture.”
Full Track List
- I’a Mase’ese’e
- Tasi! Tasi! Tasi!
- E fitu aso
- Malie Pule Le Tama e
- Fa’afofoga mai outou matua
- Fa’aogā le Solosolo
- Samala! Hammer!
- Fa’afetai i Le Atua
- A o le i moe
- E lo’u Tama e Ua fa’afetai
Project Collaborators
- Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata: A bilingual preschool in Palmerston North under the EFKS church.
- The KaRs: A musical duo known for award-winning storytelling and inclusive music.
- Hokozoo Productions: Led by Kane Parsons.
- UCOL WorkHub: Vocational support and learning facilitation.
Contact for Media
- Kane Parsons, Hokozoo Productions & The KaRs – [email protected] | 021 421 474
- Malutamalii Tise Fauolo, MMAA – [email protected] | 022 424 5348
About Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata (MMAA)
MMAA is a community-based early childhood centre in Palmerston North, founded by the EFKS (Congregational Christian Church of Samoa). The centre provides a bilingual learning environment where tamaiti are immersed in gagana Samoa and aganu’u Samoa, while also embracing Aotearoa’s early learning framework, Te Whāriki. MMAA is dedicated to preserving cultural identity and language through daily routines, play, and music.
