“There was a time when I came across the news of a mother who was badly beaten. As a result of that, a stick was lodged into her head.”
These are the words of one of Samoa’s well-known artists, Vaisigano Tapu Aumua, also known as Shorty Kap.
Vaisigano recently won the singing competition held for the launch of the new Association of Musicians in Samoa.
In an interview with Samoa Newshub last Friday, Vaisigano said the song he wrote for the competition was meant to give a voice to women and others who have suffered abuse at home.
“Such a case triggered this song and motivated me to let my music speak for all whose rights are denied, and voices are not heard,” he said.
Vaisigano questioned whether domestic violence has become a norm in society.
“It is a greater shame not to report cases. The silence on instances of violence at home could lead many to feel that such incidents are decriminalized. But the truth remains that domestic violence is a crime. It is a crime that impacts victims and everyone within a home,” he said.
“As an island singer, I pray that my music could have a positive impact, encouraging people to stand together to stop violence.”
Vaisigano began his music career in 2015 while working at Radio Polynesia.
“Whenever I was on duty, the moment I opened the line to the listeners, they would always request songs that matched their real-life situations at the time. That’s when I realised how much music means to people,” he said.
Vaisigano comes from Faatoia, Saleaumua, Matautu Falealili, Vaipua, Asau, and Fogasavai. He hopes his two children will continue the family’s musical path to inspire others and give hope to the people of Samoa.
