Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā : A well-grounded self, is a successful self. (2025 theme)
Manuia le Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa, Happy Samoa Language Week!
This year’s theme reminds us of the importance of being deeply rooted in who we are, because from that grounding comes strength, success, and identity. While this week shines a special spotlight on our language, for many of us, Gagana Samoa lives in us every day, in the way we speak to one another, through song, through dance, and in our stories. Even if you didn’t grow up in Samoa, you might be surprised by how many Samoan songs live in your memory. Music is a powerful teacher and a beautiful way to stay connected to our mother tongue. Here are 10 Samoan songs you might know (or grew up hearing!) tap in and celebrate our language through music. Happy Samoa Language Week. May our language, our gagana, stay alive in every verse, every melody, and every moment we speak life into it.
- Lavalava Samoa- The Five Stars
Starting off strong with the igi, you know it, you love it, and don’t lie it makes you want to get up and siva.
- E Tumau Pe A- Pacific Soul
The intro is what gets you but the beautiful soulful voices of Pacific Soul is what makes you hit that repeat button.
- Mamalu O Samoa- Pacific Soul
Another classic by Pacific Soul that you are guaranteed to hear at any Pasifika function.
- Afai E Te Alofa Ia A’U- The Five Stars
This song right here is the sound of a peaceful Sunday afternoon– after you go to church and do all of your feau’s of course.
- Oi La’u Pele ‘Ea- The Five Stars
A classic song that our grandparents generation made sure to pass down to the next generations to come and aren’t we so glad that they did.
- Samoa Matalasi- The Five Stars
Again with The Five Stars, but they are the definition of “classic” so how could I not include this song.
- Siva Mai– Mika Sisters
Is it graduation season if you haven’t heard this song used for a taualuga at least once?
- Nofo I Salafai Lo’U Motu– Penina O Tiafau
A goodie, a classic, and an oldie but always transports you to Samoa as soon as you hear the igi.
- Sosefina– Fiji
You can’t have a Pasifika playlist feature without arguably one of the greatest of all time, Fiji.
- Sulu I Le Papa Gagala– Punialava’a
The energy of this song just exudes Samoan pride.
Inspiration & Vibe:
I know I’m not the only one who loves listening to Samoan music, whether you’re a siva samoa dancer, churchgoer, on aux at a backyard bbq party, driving in your car, or whatever it is you may be doing. There are just some songs that everyone knows regardless of where you grew up or currently live. The inspiration behind these song selections were of course based off of what I remember listening to growing up but all these songs exude a certain feeling when you listen to them… pride. These songs transport me to a different place and ultimately make me feel the utmost proud to be Samoan. To take it to a deeper level, when I’m walking on UCLA’s campus from class to class with these songs playing in my AirPods, it reminds me of those in my life that came before me and the hard work they put in that allows me to be in such a space but also reminds me to do the same for those that will come after me. All in all, the inspiration and vibe that this playlist exudes and embodies is one of pride, love, & identity. These songs transport me to a different place and ultimately make me feel the utmost proud to be Samoan. I hope this playlist transports you there too.
