Tuning into Samoa’s vibrant sounds

By Nefertiti Matatia 09 December 2017, 12:00AM

There is something powerful about music that liberates the soul without permission.

It’s been only five days since Janet McMahon and Chris Davies have been in Samoa and the music is what has left them astounded.

“I am just so touched about how musical everyone is,” Janet said. 

“I wish we knew the language so we could understand what they are saying. That is what I love the most about here, the music is just amazing and their voices are so beautiful.”

Since it is that time of the year where there are so many prize givings, graduations and preparations for Christmas, there is singing and music everywhere and they were able to witness the Samoa Orchestra practicing for the 13 Days of Christmas Show that is just around the corner.

As a musician, she is impressed with how everyone, including young children, could sing because in America, where she is from, there are not many people who sing.

“I am a musician. So many people where we come from, people say that they cannot sing. People don’t sing, being here and seeing everyone sing tells us that anyone could sing if you try,” she said.

Janet believes that it does not matter which country you come from music is a language that we all speak.

It was not just the music; they enjoyed seeing different villages and their creative roadsides as well.

“Everything here in Samoa is so colourful and driving through different villages we get to see people putting flags on the roadside and the buildings as well are colourful unlike back home, all you see is white and grey,” she added. 

For her husband, Chris, a Shellfish Biologist, nothing was more memorable for him than being able to  explore the giant clam reserve at Savaia.

“I am a Shellfish Biologist, so I study shellfish and I have never seen and swam with a giant clam before, and it is pretty exciting. Well I think it is amazing seeing the diversity of life and we were staying at a fale in the east coast of the island a couple of days ago and just swimming on the reef which was stunning,” he said.

He was surprised to see that not many local people visit the giant clams.

They were also able to have a taste of Samoan flavour.

“The food is wonderful. We got to try taro, the coconut and barbeque. All the fruits are delicious and unlimited bananas.”

Janet and Chris emphasized the character of the Samoan people.

“The Samoan people are the most wonderful people we have ever met, very outgoing and friendly and happy,” they said.

The couple will be heading back home in the next six days; they only came for a short break to visit their daughter who is here in Samoa for the next seven months.

By Nefertiti Matatia 09 December 2017, 12:00AM
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