It was another action packed Saturday evening at Utulei beach, thanks to the Agency for Better Living Endeavors which staged the premier of the inaugural Moso’oi Festival of Arts.
There was entertainment, fashion, a pageant, food and a spectacular production of “Nanamu o le Moso’oi.”
“We are happy, we are grateful, our dreams for our kick-off event have been reached,” shared Ammon Fepuleai, A.B.L.E. board member and Moso’oi Festival project team leader.
Musicians Jarom Fuimaono, Henry Collins, Etuale and Vogah Sefiga lended their singing talents and dance groups Teine Lalelei Dance Academy, Intersections Toa o le Afi, and Logo I Alisi Toa o Samoa Ki Mua Dance Group strutted their stuff on the stage.
Local food vendors provided a variety of delicious plates and treats for families to enjoy while they watched the show, and the introduction of the Miss Moso’oi Scholarship pageant contestants.
The main feature of the evening was a show-stopping fashion show organized by Moso’oi Festival team member and fashion designer Isabella Mageo, with many local makeup artists and hairstylists assisting.
The crowd was delighted with the diverse collection of beautiful local creations from fashion houses: Lijah’s Eleis, Pule Pule Creative Arts, Micay Creations, GiveMeSamoa684, J-Len Ts, La Apparel and designers Asaua Fagalilo and Daihara Puega of the Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School Atelier.
The vibrant prints and exotic designs were displayed by some of Amerika Samoa’s beautiful models as they confidently worked the runway as the crowd responded with exhilarating cheers. The night ended with an explosive and captivating performance, a sneak peak to Moso’oi team production of “Nanamu o le Mosooi.”
“This community event is only a hint of the amazing talent that we have here in Amerika Samoa, and an example of what we can do when we unite in spirit and effort to create good for our community to not only promote our talented people, our culture and our arts,” shared Moso’oi team member and dance choreographer, Leia Tasi.
Amerika Samoa Humanities Council Executive Director Tauaisamoa Taifane, in her closing remarks, reiterated the satisfaction of the crowd and how appreciative everyone was of the Moso’oi premier.
She noted the need for more opportunities like the Moso’oi premier “for our youth to shine and promote our culture and arts for generations to come.”
She also congratulated ABLE and the dedicated group of artists for organizing the event.
The Amerika Samoa Humanities Council is the primary grantor for the Moso’oi Festival of Arts events.
