Traditional entertainment brings life to hockey stadium

By Ilia L. Likou 03 June 2016, 12:00AM

A vital part of the Independence celebration was traditional entertainment. And the groups invited for this year’s programme on Wednesday did not disappoint.

Even Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi took notice and thanked them for their efforts.

Traditional entertainment was provided by; E.F.K.S. Fa’atoia, Olatoefuataina, Lepa and Lotofaga College, Leone Amerika Samoa (song and dance) , Falealupo (song), LDS College (dance) Lepa and Lotofaga College (dance), Amoa College (dance), Fasitoo-uta (song and dance).

Pesega student, Junior Tofilau said that he was really excited to be part of this year’s independence.

“It’s a life time opportunity, who knows that this is the only Independence that I can take part in?” he said.

“I am hoping that my school will have more opportunities like this in the future.”

Toleafoa Ti’a Toleafoa from Fasito’o and Tuana’i said that cultural entertainment was the only thing he was looking forward to.

 “For entertainments today, I would like to thank the dance group of our brothers and sisters from Leone American Samoa, Upolu and Savai’i especially the senior schools,

“Great performances from each dance group,

“My only advice to the organizing committee, please make sure you work together with dance crews on their time to perform.

“Rather than calling on the microphone that there time is finished – that’s disrespectful.”

 “We also heard that the long boat race was cancelled due to the lack of interest from local crews but this is all part of the celebration and hopefully, the long boat race will be on again next year.

One of the most touching moments this year was when the Ola Toefuataina group from Tafaigata performed a traditional apology (ifoga) to the nation. Many people at the stadium were in tears from the gesture.

The ifoga was accepted by the government dignitaries present and the members of the group were embraced with hugs and applause.

By Ilia L. Likou 03 June 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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