Take a Musical Trip

 For this musical journey, I chose to focus on Samoan music, which has fascinated me with the blend of storytelling, spirituality, and connection to nature. Samoan chants and contemporary songs often carry deep emotional and cultural meaning, interlacing themes of love, belonging, and heritage with the rhythms of island life.

Samoan music is known for its rich harmonies, steady rhythmic patterns, and the use of natural imagery such as the ocean, wind, and waves. This connection between sound and place gives Samoan music a distinct identity among the broader Polynesian traditions of Oceania. 

Lelava Vevesi x Lolani and Ane Pito

Country of Origin-Samoa
Date Unknown

This song translates loosely to “I’m swept away by these powerful feelings; my heart is restless because of you.” It seems romantic on the surface but there are much deeper meanings in the lyrics. The references to waves, wind, and the ocean are metaphors for love and how Samoan's connect their emotions with nature. 

The melody in this song flows like waves going in and out. The smooth melody allows a meditative headspace with the feeling of flowing with the water.

I love that this piece is a duet. The mixture of voices is so beautiful. Ane has this rasp to his voice that provides a rich texture. Lolani's also got a bit of a rasp to her voice but a bit smoother. Together, it really brings you in and feels that much more authentic. In part of the song, Ane uses a technique called call-and-response that is widely used and recognized among Samoan music (1).

Now I am not sure if this song specifically is Samoan. The version I am mentioning specifically, is performed by Iam Tongi, a man that is from Samoa and was on American Idol. Similarly to the previous artist, there's a rasp to Tongi's version of this song that you don't get in the original that is true to Samoan culture music. 

May 9, 2025


I also love that this song was in one of my all-time favorite movies! The kids performing in this song also gives it such a welcoming, community feel. The Ukelele sounds with the upbeat vibe is everything you need to get the hips moving!


Listening to both songs gave me a profound appreciation for how music functions as emotional storytelling in Samoan culture. The flowing melodies reminded me of the ocean’s rhythm, while the harmony and simplicity of the accompaniment allowed the emotion to feel raw and honest. One thing always consistent amongst Samoan music is the sense of community. I wish I had that feeling around me not only that but growing up, I lived by the ocean. Now, I wish I could see the ocean once a year. It's something that is deeply missed in my soul and one way that I can feel the waves in my body without being there is listening to music from Samoan, Hawaiian and other pacific island music. 


References:
1. “Music and Culture.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Music and Culture - National Park of American Samoa (U.S. National Park Service) . Accessed 15 Mar. 2026. 


Comments

  1. bellernadoMarch 22, 2026 at 7:24 PM

    I've never listened to Samoan music before, but I noticed a similarity in other music styles from Islands like Hawaii; it's very relaxed and smooth. I also had no clue the singer of the Lilo and Stitch song was Samoan! I love his voice so much, I need to look more into his music. Thank you!

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