Reviving Sāmoa’s Indigenous Music Heritage

Talanoa Arts Forum, in partnership with Hikule’o o Ono’aho, is proud to present Si’uleo o Anamua (Echoes of the Beginning) – a five-day workshop held from 25th February till the 2nd March 2026 presented in Upolu Island, Sāmoa. This initiative aims to revive traditional Sāmoan instruments, such as the fagufagu (nose flute), fāaili ofe (pan pipe) and tu’itu’i (stamping tubes), while fostering cultural revival and environmental stewardship.

Participants will learn to craft and play traditional instruments made from Sāmoa’s local ofe (bamboo), gaining a deeper understanding of Sāmoa’s musical heritage. The program also seeks to build a network of local practitioners committed to preserving indigenous music.

Workshops will be held in diverse settings, including schools, youth groups, and organizations, with activities tailored to engage different audiences. For example, youth will explore creative expression, while inclusive practices will empower participants from the disability community across Sāmoa. Selected groups and venues include Campus of Hope at Sāmoa Victim Support Group; Nofoali’i village youth; Sāmoa Association of Musicians; and the Ōfaga o Sa’ili’iliga Research Museum to name a few.

The workshop will feature a screening of the fagufagu episode from the ‘Instruments of the Moana’ – a popular online docuseries directed by Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava; followed by live demonstrations and interactive sessions with Tau’ili’ili and Hikule’o o Ono’aho. Participants interested in further learning will be invited to join a local practitioner collective for ongoing engagement.

Hikule’o o Ono’aho, a Tongan musical instrument revival collective based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, is led by venerable elder Tu’ifonualava Kaivelata and his son ‘Uluakimaka Kaivelata. The collective’s mission is to preserve Tongan heritage through music and instrument-making.

By exploring the shared musical history between Sāmoa and Tonga, the collective contributes to reviving Sāmoan indigenous music heritage.

Tau’ili’ili and Hikule’o o Ono’aho will also perform at the forthcoming Sāmoa Arts Fono held on 4/5/6 March 2026 presented across Upolu Island.