White Sunday is a tradition that continues in every Samoan community.October 20, 2013 By Viopapa Tuiaulia Taeleifi Galea'i-Euta White Sunday is an annual special day on the second Sunday of October where each child thrives in memorizing Bible memory texts and acting in plays to perform for all family and friends at church. Each child is excited as this means a brand new white dress, suit, shoes, stockings/socks, sandals, hairband, ribbons, fluffy coats, pale (flower-embellished headbands), ula/leis….etc, etc… Adults in Church congregations while spectating the children's performances smile and sometimes with tears, reminiscing of their times when young during their day of Lotu o Tamaiti, at home in the Samoa Islands. Changes are minimal in how Lotu o Tamaiti (White Sunday) was for them then and how it is now. A familiar air from floral arrangements to the white attire of each child and the excitement filled air of chirpy children and instructor's fuss of direction…
Saturday here in Auckland NZ, marked a first at the Ponsonby SDA Church. Ponsonby is a suburb of Central Auckland City. The Ponsonby SDA Church is the first to be established in the Southern Hemisphere in 1887. Presently a small but vibrant Samoan Fellowship is part of this international diverse Spiritual mix and they rendered an equivalent to White Sunday, Memory verses were cited by very excited children and items rendered throughout. After, we had a shared lunch and the children were served their favorite food and dessert as is normal for Lotu o Tamaiti.
On Sunday, I ventured with a dear friend out to the West of Auckland to the Henderson CCCS Church Lotu o Tamaiti to which we were entertained with a flourish of items and plays…The children’s presence was massive and overwhelming as the whole stage was filled with white Glory ranging from the tiniest and cutest to the older and bolder youth. Again, as a repeat of the day before, each child quoted texts from the Bible and music filled the air as items were rendered by each age group…
What a glorious weekend this was. Children make us smile from within and are our blessings upon this earth. An enormous sense of pure Divine innocence is how one feels during Lotu o Tamaiti (White Sunday) and it is no wonder why Jesus exclaimed…
“Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16. The slideshow below has more pictures from the Ponsonby Seventh Day Adventist church White Sunday. Check it out. a unique talent...a unique person. richard parker is low key but exudes star quality.By Viopapa Taeleifi Galeai-Euta and Aloiafi L. Petersen.
September 28, 2013 Doors were open to the public from 7pm with the concert to begin at 10.30pm…With lights dimmed, the DJ’d music kept pumping as spectators filed into Paradise in droves! At approximately 8.30pm already vacant seating was becoming scarce. Then the house band played and more partners made it to the floor as you could feel the excitement in the air creating a soothing but respected atmosphere. At the very front was seated Mrs Maupenei Wison Parker, the maternal prominent figure of the Parker family joined with elderly members of the family. Reserved marked tables surrounded the Matriarch’s table to which we were fortunate to occupy one. Then the awaited moment arrived with the drums rumbling as the man of the hour’s name cracked clearly through the amplified air….RICHARD PARKER!!! Oh such an awesome crowd greeted the greatest crooner of the year…
Richard rendered 15 songs for his fans…they were all spectacular and consisted of an awesome blend of his old and new selections. Included were his song of his village, Fugalei and the song his beloved Mother wrote for his new album, Track# 10, ‘Tausala Samoa’… Richard’s fans drastically loved his entertaining of more than 2 hours…One fan, beside me insisted on her steady stance in the front! An absolute attitude of a loyal fan… Richard Parker, you’ve done it yet again! Auckland will be ready at any time for your re-appearance to once again perform for our people and for those that hold you dear to their hearts… However, we discovered that he is a very reserved and quiet person away from the stage. At our exclusive interview with the rising star, we realized that he is a man of strong convictions and also reluctant to embrace the fame he is accumulating with each new album he releases. These were qualities that were refreshing to see when compared with all the loud extrovert personalities seen every day on MTV and entertainment media outlets everywhere. Maybe its because Richard Parker also holds a Matai title, Leautuli from Salelologa, that makes him so understated and
respectful...or is it his upbringing? Born and bred in Fugalei, Apia, his parents are Maupenei Wilson Parker and the late Valentine Parker but he was raised by his maternal grandparents until his granddad passed. He was then 5 years old when he went back to his parents. As the 7th of 8 children, two of whom pursued musical careers, including brother Tony, who also lives in Melbourne, he had a very active and fun filled childhood. He began playing music at a young age. From the age of 15, he felt the lure of the "business". He began sneaking out to pursue his dream by jumping out of louvered windows over his Aunty's Club, Le Lalaga, a few doors down from his home to play in the band. His parents deemed the music they played too loud for the ear. But he was hooked.
As a second generation music artist from a family of famous performers, he definitely has the genes for a career in music. He grew more serious with his music about 2 years ago when he started writing his own songs. He began to sing them along with remixes of his uncles Dave and the late John Parker, also icons of Samoan music, at live performances and seeing the audience's response decided it was time to record. His mother, Maupenei would also pen one song for every CD he should produce, she wrote the number 10 track on his latest CD, Made in Samoa. It took him from August 2012 to September 2013 to have this Made in Samoa CD ready. He emphasized the amount of hard work that goes into making any CD; to produce and promote the final product and how difficult it is in this era of computers to make a living at this career because of the ease with which many can copy and sell recorded music these days. Its almost not worth the trouble to make new music when someone who didn't write or record the CD can make copies and sell them without any fear of retribution.
And it is here that the Editors for Le Malae would like to insert an opinion as to the need for our people to not buy copies of music that are illegitimate. There are pirates and even some stores who have been copying and selling our artist's music for years and this is actually killing our music scene because our original music makers are becoming frustrated that their hard work is benefitting pirates and not their families and they are becoming less motivated to write music. Thus we are left with 50 remixes of the same song....Support our Samoan music. Buy from the Artists. Our website will provide legitimate products certified by the artists themselves for sale. We here at Le Malae are working on a system where we can certify products so people will know whether they are legitimate or not. SUPPORT SAMOAN MUSIC.... NOT PIRATES! RP eventually left Fugalei for Wellington, New Zealand and then went onto Melbourne, Australia and has been there for 25 years now.
Happily married with 3 children, he always takes his family with him when he is on tour. He has his own 8 piece band in Melbourne, a mix of Palagi, Samoan and Maori musicians, but traveled only with the rapper to Auckland. Nowadays due to his work schedule he travels to Samoa only on invitation and to visit with his mother. When you see him he is a well proportioned young man. He has that masculine look and long hair definitely suits him, as he says he keeps it long for his fans who request that he have that look. I guess it matches the baritone voice. He is well tattooed on his arms and when I inquired they include the names of his children, and Mummy too. So we know he is a Momma's Boy. These are not the characteristics of a rising male star in today's music scene, but how refreshing to have all the features of a Lamborghini but be as steady as a Truck. His Mother added this bit: O si ana tama lea e aupito sili le loto alofa, loto maualalo, e mata aiga, e osi aiga fo'i.
As RP indicated by asking to be interviewed in the Samoan language, especially for all Samoans living in foreign lands; always remember who you are and where you came from. You may take the boy away from Samoa but you can never take Samoa away from the boy. Malo le tauivi i mea lelei RP. We wish you all the best. If you wish to purchase a CD in the USA please follow the link below. This is a direct link to the only certified seller of Richard Parker's new CD, "Made in Samoa", in the USA at this time. Thank you for your support. |
a special dedication of love to.....By Viopapa Taeleifi Galeai-Euta Lene (87, Sinamoga) and Fuatino Pauline (82, Tuamua) Feagaiga are our beloved Uncle and Aunt. They have no children but have shared their home with many including the writer who lived with them while going to school in Auckland and commuting from Pago. Quite a few of us lived with them for the same reason's over the years. It was a safe place to grow up because of disciplinarian reasons as they were quite strict! Now these same young people return to be with them as their children to care and show love as they had received while growing up. Uncle has Alzheimer's and Aunty refuses to put him in a home. Its always really lovely catching up with them and their "children" serve as their hair dresser, comedian entertainer and keep them aware of whats happening or just keep them company. The couple is very popular amongst many people and are known simply as “Uncle and Aunty”. When one mentions that, there is no need to ask which Uncle or Aunt, they all know. They are well loved within the Church, Friends and Family circles. Aunty has taught many a young lady how to bake and cook. She is a great cook and always bakes goodies for those leaving for other countries: Apricot squares, Sydney specials, etc. And now our children look forward to those special packages all the way from Aunty! We love you Uncle and Aunty. God bless.
viopapa tuiaulia taeleifi galea'i-euta is the editor in chief for samoans in auckland webpage.The city of Auckland, New Zealand is considered by most as the largest concentration of Polynesians in the world. In order to provide proper news coverage for our Samoan community in this vibrant community we are happy to announce that Viopapa Euta-Galea'i has joined the Le Malae staff with an impeccable record of service and interaction within the Samoan community as the Editor in Chief of our Auckland branch. This branch is separate from our Le Malae South Auckland branch which is headed by another qualified individual, Aloiafi Lily Petersen.
Viopapa is a very intelligent and fun loving individual and that attitude will be enjoyed by Le Malae as we field her reports for Auckland. Currently a resident of New Zealand for over 15 years she harbors a not so distant dream to return to Samoa. She was brought up in Amerika Samoa. Roots from Lalomanu, Sale’imoa, Papauta, Afiamalu, Iva, Safune, Asau, Leone (Tutuila), and Fitiuta (Manu’a). She is a parent with 4 adult children and is presently working in the accounts department of Sanitarium Health & Wellbeing. She describes herself as a, "Cheerful, easy going, most times, person who loves travelling, socializing and quality quiet times. An ardent sports cheerleader when towards the end of a series/tournament. I love meeting new people and acquaintances and family for reunions, outings, etc..." She was educated in NZ, Amerika Samoa, and the USA. She describes her hobbies as, "I sing, play piano/organ and teach choirs. I can design and sew clothing (but been on hold for too long!) and love cooking and baking. I love gardening and landscaping - but that will have to wait until I retire. My dream is to interior design/decorate and if available with much mental ability and energy would love to venture into architecture and give accounting a break! I would love to learn more of my family lineage and our Samoa culture in all facets…" "I love the Scriptures and I love the bestower of all that I have, had and will have – Our Lord Jesus Christ." We here at Le Malae feel we have been very lucky to have her as part of our team. richard parker is coming to auckland to release his new cd.By Viopapa Tuiaulia Taeleifi Galea'i-Euta and Aloiafi Lily Petersen
Le Malae-Auckland is about to hit it with a bang as our own Samoan crooner Richard Parker is about to visit our shores of Auckland this week. His concert is in whispers throughout Auckland. So be in quick to purchase a ticket. Tickets published are limited, so be in quick as this will be a huge missed opportunity! Richard would like to express his sincere gratitude to all who purchased his previous album as proceeds have made it possible for his new Album about to be launched this coming Saturday evening. So for Aucklanders and all who are travelling far and near to witness the great Richard Parker, Le Malae will see you there on Saturday Night, September 28, 2013. The show will be held on Saturday, September, 28, 2013 at the PARADISE BAR at 128 Bairds Rd., Otara, Manukau. Come early to get tickets. Richard Parker fans are very dedicated so be sure to get there early for tickets. |
Dorothy Nu'u School of Music Recital a huge success.
By Viopapa Taeleifi Galeai-Euta. Sept. 28, 2013 11am Saturday, September 28, 2013 marked another of Dorothy Nu’u School of Music’s Recital held at the International Church Hall in Mt Eden, Auckland. Each student from grades 1 to 8, rendered an item on the keyboard and/or on the guitar. Of Dorothy’s sixty four students, 39 items were performed throughout the hour and a half concert, thoroughly enjoyed by family and friends. Dorothy Nu’u, born in Samoa, is the daughter of the late Papali’I John and Ellen Curry Ryan of Lalovaea and music is no stranger to the family as some of her siblings and herself were trained in the field. She began playing the piano at the age of 9 with Mrs Hay together with others and of which she remembers vividly of the disciplinary experience. At 15 years old she had her first practice in teaching music when she assisted her sister Rose in her school of music. At present Dorothy’s younger sister, June Ryan, also runs a school of music in Samoa. One day back in 1983, a friend of Dorothy’s, David Stehlin advised her to start giving piano lessons, and this was the beginning of her music school registered as Dorothy Nu’u School of Music.
Her most prevalent supporter was her beloved late husband, Detective Sergeant Alesana Marcellus Nu’u who made sure her business survived all odds and of whom to this day is her companion in spirit. Together they have two beautiful daughters Marcia, married and an accountant in Dubai and Natalia, a pharmacist and owner of Hillsborough Pharmacy in Auckland. Dorothy teaches music lessons mainly in Piano, Classical and Modern, all styles plus Classical & Rock guitar, Keyboard, Bass guitar and Recorder. One is easily mislead by her shy-ish lovely smile, gorgeous personality and humble presentation until you take a lesson with her. When in action she makes sure in her own no-nonsense style that she means business. She is a very good theory teacher incorporated in her lessons. Dorothy is also an NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) tutor. The NCEA is the main national qualification for secondary school students in New Zealand. She is also a Trinity College London (NZ) and an ABRSM: the exam board of the Royal School of Music) registered exam teacher.
When asked why she has annual recitals for her students, Dorothy stated that an integral part of music learning is performance. She then shared experiences of some of her students past and present who never cease to amaze her and made mention of a 6 year old student and his excellent sight reading skills. As we conversed, I couldn’t help but note the passion in her eyes and gestures as she explained and described her job and her students. She makes a photocopy of each of her student’s exam certificates and keeps a library of 6 folders of such.
As she can be one great influential optimist, talking to Dorothy has inspired me to resume my piano lessons (with her, as I’ve placed it on the back burner for over 3 years).
Her hobbies are golf (their whole family are excellent golf players), swimming, squash and of course loves music of all genres. Her favorite quotes are "Performing in public helps give you an edge in life, in that performing under pressure and nerves makes you sharp so you give the performance of your life over and over again, an excellent life skill to acquire early in life".
And the ultimate: “Everybody asks, what is the magic in music? The answer summarized in one word is – PRACTICE!” · For those who would like to have music lessons, including piano, please contact Dorothy at phone number: 021 116 0557 (when calling from outside NZ, drop the 0 and add the country code 64) or
email: [email protected]. |