The Government of Samoa, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labor (MCIL), has officially launched the Samoa Association of Musicians (S.A.M), bringing together professional singers and instrumentalists from across the country.
At the launch event held yesterday in Nuu, MCIL Assistant Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) Houlton Faasau highlighted the government’s commitment to the development of Samoa’s music industry.
“The government has a number of projects that were waiting on the formation of the Samoa Association of Musicians. Now that S.A.M is incorporated and launched today, we are excited to collaborate with Tuala and his executive team as well as the association’s members to implement these plans,” Faasau said.
Speaking to Samoa Newshub, S.A.M President Tuala Uili Lafaele explained that the association has developed policies to guide its work, ensuring that the language used in songwriting aligns with Samoa’s cultural and religious values.
“Our policies also provide guidance on the appropriate use of modern instruments in music,” Tuala said.
The launch of S.A.M comes as the government and the association seek to nurture the growing number of young and emerging musicians, encouraging them to use their talents to create income opportunities. Beyond economic benefits, Tuala emphasized the broader impact of music in building and strengthening communities through concerts, education programs, and choirs, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Tuala also expressed hopes that music will eventually become a compulsory subject in Samoan schools, starting at the primary level, rather than remaining an optional course.
A singing competition marked the launch event, with Vaisigano Tapu Aumua, also known as Shorty Kap, taking first place and winning a cash prize of 500 tala. Honey and Feagai secured second place with a prize of 300 tala, while Muliaga Lumanai took third place but was not present to accept the award.
