Performed by Wayno, Nate Lopa, and Earthtones, Tama Samoa Omaia is the latest Samoan track which speaks on men’s mental health and the pressure they face in their everyday lives.
Tama Samoa Omaia is written from the perspective of a young Samoan man with his daily roles and expectations, the responsibilities he has within the family, and the seen and unseen pressures that come with it. The song focuses on promoting mental health and aims to encourage Samoan and Pasifika men to share and talanoa about their struggles to make light of their journey – “fofola ane lou fala, talatala ou mafaufauga, e malamalama ai ala uma mo le savaliga”.
The all-male collective, Tofi o Tamatane was created by John Kapeli in 2020 to create a safe space for young Samoan men (tama tane) to learn and embrace their culture through pese (dance) and siva (dance) and with emphasis on the importance of preserving Gagana Samoa (Samoan language).
Based in Wellington, Tofi o Tamatane has evolved over the years into a platform where tama tane are free to express themselves amongst fellow brothers. They have also recognised the importance of supporting one another to thrive mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.
Tama Samoa Omaia is now available on all digital platforms.
