“I feel like Samoans have been writing prolific music for decades, but it is only now it has been nominated” – David Feuai-Afaese
It was a night that was set out to celebrate the 100th year of APRA NZ, yet the sounds of Gagana Samoa echoing through Aotea Centre was what stole the show.
‘Lalelei’, an original song by music group ‘Leao’ took out the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll Award this year, in what was their first ever nomination and win in its history.
Speaking to Tagata Pasifika at the ceremony, vocalist David Feauai-Afaese was humbled to be recognised for the award, but gave credit to the old school Samoan bands from which he drew inspiration from.
“Particularly a lot of stuff from like Tiamaa, Punialavaa and a band that was formed here in New Zealand called, Young Lovers,” he says.
“I feel like Samoans have been writing prolific music for decades, but it is only now that it has been nominated. So I feel privileged, it’s an indescribable feeling.”
This is the first time a song written entirely in Gagana Samoa has won the prestigious award.
Lalelei, which translates to ‘beautiful’, is a love letter and dedication to “aiga ma atunu’u” (family and homeland), capturing themes of distance, yearning and commitment to the fa’asamoa (the ‘Samoan way’).
With the song’s sonic palette bringing together classic Samoan garage with new-age production, Leao continue their dedication to synthesising Pacific nostalgia with the modern age.
Since its humble beginnings, Leao’s music has been featured on screen, including Taika Waititi’s film Next Goal Wins; they’ve opened for Saharan superstars Tinariwen; they’ve featured multiple times on NTS Radio; landed on the Official Aotearoa charts and reached Gold Rotation on 95bFM; and were one of the few Aotearoa bands to feature on the Great Escape lineup this year.
Band members David Feauai-Afaese, Navakatoa Tekela-Pule, and Larsen Tito-Taylor are also the founders of pan-Moana record label Noa Records. The APRA Silver Scroll Award was presented by Neil Finn, and Lalelei was performed by Pōneke-based vocal trio, A.R.T with Hannah Elise, Loise Vea, Marcella Adisurya, and Ruby Walsh.
