Traditional Samoan Medley Wins NZ Choral Competition

[@petelosuaniu]

Only in New Zealand where palagi embrace samoan siva.

[@nathanielsasa]

In some states in the US they have Poly Club or Pacific Islanders Club at most Middle Schools and High Schools. For example, Washington’s Schools embrace the Island Cultures now in Poly Club and they usually perform Cultural Dances during School Events or School Assembly’s. Our culture is evolving, thanks to Disney and All the Island Celebrities showing our culture to the public.

[@martinmartin8666]

@@nathanielsasa i dont think that's what he means.. in new Zealand they embraced the native people's culture. On the other hand america completely destroyed the native american people and its culture.

[@nathanielsasa]

@@martinmartin8666 What do you mean..? Samoans aren’t native to New Zealand.

[@remedy1858]

@@martinmartin8666 You must have not heard of Los Angeles CA the most diverse city in the world embracing all cultures, especially the Samoan culture.

[@samotafu]

@@remedy1858 California is a single state. NZ is a country that wholeheartedly embraced the native Maori culture, as well all the cultures in it. America has never, and will never do such a thing.

[@BrownieNZ85]

My parents who are Samoan and both in their 60's looooooved watching this clip. They couldn't stop bragging about it & couldn't get over the fact that you all pronounced the words correctly far better then most Samoans. Amazing!!

[@vjsepulona3335]

1

[@sg6ng7]

@@vjsepulona33352

[@Scout-u6p]

Probably as well as your grammar.

[@miracleleiataua1769]

Who still watching this in 2020....mlo ah le faamalosi

[@ajc-ue7cu]

This Canadian is watching 2021

[@lllewelll]

Manai Liaso! Cheers to NZ and Manu Samoa! Missing all that

[@SngNgheeLang]

🇸🇬M12,zxcvbnmasdfghjklqwewertyuiop

[@OhMightyDollar]

If I walked outside a church and heard these guys singing...I would never in my life think it was non-Polynesian people singing this...mad respect how New Zealander's embraces its Polynesian culture.

[@uso6844]

Who still watches this in 2019.... mad respect malo lava le faafiafia

[@ayeayeronmolay3699]

Still watching in 2024 ❤

[@garethcherrington3605]

As a Maori I am Proud to be apart of this tribute to what we are in aotearoa via 🇼🇸

[@soledisguy]

these guys could win the polyfest if they wanted to haha... seki

[@FCGT4EVER]

These guys could win against schools in Samoa

[@justlookingaround3169]

Pretty good don’t ya think.

[@django4427]

Against Samoan majority schools? They’re good but not that good 🤣

[@luamanukirisome9863]

I'm so amazed by these students who can sing my Samoan songs clearly & sweetly. Thanks to You all

[@siegeaye]

My mother heard me playing this and asked me which church choir this was… the shock on her face when I showed her the video and the actual people singing it. She was overly amazed and what also gave it that extra flare was hearing the “cheeehooo” which shows how this choir really embraced the Samoan culture for a moment. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@wa1pahu]

Jonah Peko : you must not be Samoan, if you are then you're not very proud of your culture or your people. As a Samoan person, I find the ability of others to embrace our culture and to share it is very admirable. Also, this group had to learn the songs, and dances from someone or a group of someones who made certain that it was done correctly to represent the Samoan culture. They did an awesome job! **and if you're not Samoan, then don't talk about what you don't know -- if you are Samoan then find your pride in your culture and your people cause without it you're lost.

[@jonahpeko6741]

K THANX OH AND HEADS UP I AM SAMOAN....SEE YA...N SORRY...ALOFA IA TE OE...FAASOIFUA.....

[@bells6782]

Years later, still gives me the goosebumps🙌🏽

[@FCGT4EVER]

that last mua o harmony sounded so beautiful

[@solekeffs9960]

No palagi I know could pull off the "Cheehoo", it always either sounded like a high pitch sneeze or a squeaky kaepu... until I seen this. Westlake yall did us proud eh. Shot Westlake!

[@88lazza]

Bwahahahahahahahha

[@ikonic5873]

Ligit the moment I read the word kaepu, I couldn't stop laughing 😂

[@wutdafeezy]

Sole Keffs CDFU@"Squeaky kaepu"

[@Nunyabiss]

iKonic lmao me too. Husband thought I was out my mind malo

[@ifolagimoli5885]

Squeaky kaipu on da track🤣🤣 man I just cant

[@jasonhana9495]

I don't think I could ever get sick of this.. I'm not Samoan but have been learning Samoan songs and dance for 7 years and I feel so proud to see and hear this group perform ❤️ stunning performance

[@esetaMotuga1971]

It's in your blood

[@velvetrazor7553]

4-YEARS LATER - If you're watching yourself in this performance as one of the Westlake 'kids' then....THIS WAS AWESOME!! THANK YOU AND SHOT WESTLAKE!! CHEEEOOOHUUUUU!!

[@leaanafamily]

im german samoan part English and after watching this I must say im a very very VERY PROUD SAMOAN!! thank you Westlake! yous did this song justice samoan songs are pretty hard to perfect! but you kids NAILED it! fa'afetai lava

[@jeanief.7679]

I come back every time for 3:10. Literally GOOSEBUMPS

[@sicboi]

To hear the old songs brought to life with new arrangements and harmonies, breathtaking!

[@ToDamnRight]

Malo to all the students, faakaue, faafetai, vinaka and big thanks for taking on the pacific culture

[@ltmg9832]

I'm Tongan and I nearly welled up in tears watching this. We need this kind of thing here in schools within Australia...the Big Sing comp is inspiring. So proud to be Poly! 😍❤️

[@rongozz7305]

This was awesome. The harmonies and especially the last note ! I'm not even Samoan but this was awesome!

[@benjamintili7923]

To all these students... bravo.. malo lava!!! You have captured the essence of Polynesia... we are a people of all races combined in our blood. The your voices are superb... God bless all of you with your future endeavors as you also take with you a part of Samoa in your hearts and soul ... Faamanuia atu e le Atua outou lumana'i!

[@benniahtoa2619]

It is January 2022 this video is beautiful and expresses joy in their cheerful faces. Great performance Westlake. As the years pass, this performance of a Samoan hymn LMS Pese 92 and Leafaitulagi will capture the viewer's appreciation of Polynesian music and dance,

[@vailima49aston99]

Respect!! 🇼🇸 Samoa my culture my passion and my pride!!! Thank you to all students and teachers involved!

[@hvtama03]

Unbelievable.............great job by the students but my utmost respects to the choir master/teacher and the school for having the balls to run with something like this in such a big competition. Malo lava!

[@frostysquaaa]

this was my school backin the days

[@drtrudie]

Ten years later, they still rock!!!😊😊😊

[@isaactuifao4722]

Every now and then I come back to watch this video to make me smile. The fact that these beautiful teens took the time and patience’s to learn a different language and dance and fully embrace it like it was their own man kudos to you guys!! And whoever helped behind the scenes. I’m a proud Samoan who absolutely loved this and am Honoured to call you all my brothers n sisters thank you and God bless

[@alpineflip]

One of the most beautiful things I've ever heard

[@seutenaloia1293]

this was probably ages ago but I still can't process the thought they performed better than some Samoan schools... BRAVO

[@letano1]

Malo Westlake Girls and Westlake Boys. That was beautiful. Fa'afetai, fa'afetai lava.

[@amandataliulu2765]

I'm a proud ex-pat of NZ. Westlake Choir, your talent unsurpassed and you nailed it. I've travelled all around the world, but nothing comes close to the multiculturalism in NZ. Your tribute to the Samoan culture, simply beautiful. All the other choirs were amazing, but you guys were extraordinary. I've showed friends in Australia, your music and they are amazed at how diverse NZ is in showing respect to the Maori and Polynesian cultures. Inclusion, not exclusion is the key to success. Thank you for sharing your love of music with us all 😊💗

[@fukdat420y]

Shot from Oakland California USA. That was awesome. Malo lava le taumafai.

[@lisapeters4636]

Wow awesome I'm samoan but now I stay in America..I'm so thankful to those people to try harder to learned our culture thank u

[@debbiejoteezo5665]

I'm a 60 years old Samoan grandmother living in San Francisco, so very very proud of these kids, thank you Pacific Eye Witness for sharing, so very proud to be a Samoan.

[@jjdv92]

Sign of massive respect when Samoans mili'd for Westlake. Always gets me.

[@FOBBOY86]

I cried when the other school cheered for Westlake at the end

[@wj9661]

Omg me too 😭 so darn beautiful

[@fa7b0i65]

THE RESPECT ✊🏾 🤙🏾

[@rolliepollie8512]

Embracing one another's culture is what I think God wants to see in 2017 lol. This is beautiful

[@2ock]

Man, yall are honorary Samoans to me, well donee!

[@torchtaula9389]

Man..... Those kids embrace the culture more than most Sāmoan kids here in the 808 and mainland.... Malō lava le fāeaea

[@enilee3161]

Still gives me chills in 2021

[@davidtupua7357]

viia le Atua! Malo taumafai. Great job..

[@Tahitiansurfer]

Cheeee hooo! Great job westlake from a samoan in hawaii!!!

[@jeannielavea9647]

I'm a samoan from New Zealand, they were amazing they totally killed it 👏 They sounded so beautiful great job.

[@westernsellers9148]

2:02 The girls were bang on and let their femininity shine so bright!! Hand movements were swift and sweet! Boys were equally amazing 👏

[@meizshy3477]

Watching anything cultural makes me feel emotional because I have so much love and appreciation for the diversity and uniqueness of our planet and ???

[@denyamay1]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS......THE EMBRACING OF THE SAMOAN PESE, CULTURE AND SUNG WITH UTTER RESPECT................SO SO PROUD WESTLAKE. FA'AFETAI LAVA

[@justifyyouractions1]

I can only say WOW!!! What an outstanding performance. I salute you West Lake for making me so proud to be Samoan. God bless you all.

[@wowtilly17]

Amazing grace how sweet the sound....music is just that music...

[@isara6653]

I'm so happy to see other nationalities embrace our Samoan culture. It is a blessing to hear this and it makes me so very proud of Samoa and our beautiful culture. You all sang beautifully and reminded me of my parents, grandparents and great grandparents singing altogether during family gatherings.

[@kwatahauelua9059]

Still love watching this...2021 strong

[@whitneykamahi6298]

What the! Good on them... beautiful

[@manuhamoa]

I feel proud as a Samoan to see our palagi brothers and sisters singing our songs. So special, thank you Westlake Boys & Westlake Girls, beautifully sung. Malo lava, faafetai. Lots alofa from Australia

[@j.ckennedy2669]

Wow ! That was truly one of the most beautiful performances I've heard in Samoan. It's really no surprise that NZ are the forefront of cultural diversity,. Absolutely wonderful.

[@94chingching]

BEAUTIFUL.. Youse deserved it!!! cheeeeeehhhhhooooo.. TOA SAMOA

[@famousak1336]

Brings tears to my eyes

[@pepalepaio9979]

why can't I stop watching this? oh yeah because its AWESOME

[@filiandsela]

Thank you boy and girls of Westlake. You bring much honour to my culture.

[@Kamelhaj]

All Polynesian music is so beautiful!

[@djloa5160]

Y'all make me proud as a polynesian. Excellent job singing especially enunciating the words in my language, very impressive! God bless!

[@edensouvleris8298]

dj loa l

[@pualive5449]

As a samoan I am so proud of my culture and thank to these kids amazing voices, so beautiful 😊

[@magicmakerify]

Remember when this first came out. Was a soph in HS but we ended up doing this rendition in my senior year Chorus Class. Had goosebumps as I do now

[@rickytefe9989]

So beautiful. God bless.

[@g.l9628]

OMG....Im so in love with dis...

[@margotblanchette3767]

My old school. This is absolutely Awesome.

[@smokngunz8409]

That's tight ...much alofaz from U.S.A

[@JAHBRONI]

Very very proud of you students from a samoan, it was so overwhelmingly superb well done to all involved for the great example you have shown the world

[@central_09]

7 years later and this still gives me the chills, gotta love it! Malo lava

[@kiuliasi]

Awesome. I didn't know Samoan medley were this popular.

[@filemonifalealii377]

I literally burst into tears watching this...thank you NZ!!!!

[@anitatunoa]

I STILL LOVE THIS💛. Much respect and love !

[@mulisaurus]

After all these years, this is still such an incredible performance! I hope all the students and teachers involved, still feel proud of what they achieved with this amazing performance. Hope you all well whever you are right now in life.

[@bsiatuu]

Fa'afetai Tele Lava (Samoan for Thank you very Much) Enjoyed it immensely and well done. Can't wait to share this with all the FOLKs, friends and families in Samoa and beyond. If ever in American Samoa, just show me your on this video and stay free at my home (but be ready to sing it one more time, LOL)

[@sydneyckuresa]

So nice to see these guys embracing our Samoan culture! Proud!

[@ElijahKaio]

Great job! You guys are absolutely amazing. Alofa from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

[@PolyPinoy95]

Damn, sounds like a church choir. Mad props though, and way to put the culture on the map

[@Ninja_Trakka]

beautiful awesome seeing my samoan culture out there

[@esologarcia]

shout out..you guys rocked it hard...love it absolutely love it!!!

[@GeaVox]

Sweet, sensational, stunning, superb Samoa

[@Matuku35]

Wonderful!!! Well done! Great singing, harmony, and actions.

[@Matuku35]

+Les Sweetman Keep coming back to this, and running through it again. Just so enjoyable. What fine young people perfecting this. I taught at WBHS 68-69, but no multiculturism there then. Then at Tangaroa College 79-88, lived in and learned about the island cultures. Great to see it come together. Would like to see more intercultural exchange between schools.

[@Lostsheepp]

+Les Sweetman you'd know afew famous faces then bro

[@Matuku35]

+Jules Jerome Yes, I taught Eric Rush and Tawera Nikau, who was also in my form class. Wonderful kids there.

[@Lostsheepp]

+Les Sweetman To find u here is like meeting up at the poly fest with good friends .. lol. I went to De La Salle misses went to Otahuhu College after Tangaroa College. Where are residing now? if you dont mind me asking?

[@ninja_tinjabell_cinderella1304]

+Les Sweetman amazing !

[@A1EyeDCatppn]

You can't argue with the beauty that originates from a rich cultural heritage... But it is nice to see that treasure being shared across cultural lines.

[@szn1166]

still watching in 2024

[@tupufolasa1170]

They sound great.

[@tio123ist]

Amazing and not a single Samoan in there 🔥🇼🇸👏👏👏

[@FifthAndAtlantic]

I listen to this at least once a week for its medicinal effects. It helps me decompress and cheers me up!

[@roxymika221]

It really touched my heart to see wonderful non-pacific Islanders perform such an amazing traditional Samoan song that I personally found familiar when growing up in Samoan churches ...WOW.. God Bless them all.

[@PolyKids808]

Without fail, I get goosebumps every time I watch this!! Makes me so proud of my culture!!

[@samoa4ever]

Great job..well done ..bravo bravo

[@usokrazy]

Brings me joy and happiness to know other ethnic groups embrace our Samoan culture and performed our music with grace and beauty!Great job to this school and everyone who took part and putting it together.Thank you this made my day!

[@josephmedeiros1135]

str8 up tearin....loved it All!

[@keymah9632]

Help help was there at least one Polynesian in the choir because I could not find one and that makes this video such a blessing. Please look if you see us Polynesian Samoan or something

[@clouzyown3459]

Still watching in 2020..

[@metuapakipaki9128]

awesome job guys we all Samoan

[@BennVai]

Westlake baby! Class of 05! Woo! Proud of yous! God given talent..

[@tiresamercruy8206]

I absolutely love this! Well done! These students learned another native language and sang it so beautifully. I'm so impressed! ...xo

[@mikespicer7445]

On 4 AWESOME love it

[@stuckIN801]

Well shit, yall sound like the old people singing. By the way, that is a compliment because for some reason, only the old people can sing all the parts of these melodies correctly without training or practice.

[@stuckIN801]

***** What's offensive?

[@waynetheslumpgod8760]

g this reminds of the old school days haha these guys straight killed it 🔥🔥🔥

[@Lostsheepp]

true bro

[@iijh5049]

ikr

[@ninja_tinjabell_cinderella1304]

I was very impressed by the prounounciation and singing these guys and gals are ama. to the zing! respect guys I wish they did these in all schools even here in aus I'm a born kiwi in aus and definitely was intrigued by this .. they need to introduce this into the schools here culture diversity bringing all peoples together

[@amandas.277]

Wow this brings back so many great memories for me. My family and I would sing this song before worship and my grandpa would cover the male chorus. Wonderful memories I'll always have of him when he was alive. Thanks for this!

[@preciousama]

Absolutely love this! Malo and Faafetai lava Westlake boys n girls!!! Amazing vocals, pronunciation and passion!!!

[@_jobrmo]

Never get sick of watching this - LOVE IT! Thank you Westlake Boys/Girls for embracing another culture and doing a great job of it, awesome to see. 👏👏

[@batzbrown7070]

I dont no what to say, it was 100% effort and I can see yous been practice so hard to get the words right. Well done!!