Laga Savea tribute
Tributes have been flowing in today for Samoan singer, song writer and producer Laga Savea after news of his passing broke.
The video above is from 2018 when Laga performed his cover of Naumati Lagona at Konishiki's Island Music Festival in Odiba Tokyo.
The talented musician and producer grew up in Nanakuli, Hawai'i and collaborated closely with Pacific Islands music legends Fiji, J Boog and a number of Pacific Islands artists around the world. He was part of the Hot Rain Band which included Kiwini Vaitai and Siaosi and the guys often performed back up vocals for both Fiji and J Boog on tour.
Savea released his own album 'Roots Satisfaction' in 2007 which included a cover of the Five Stars classic 'Naumati Lagona' as well as hit songs 'Take Me Away', 'Nanakuli' and 'Honi Honi' and has been described as a musical genius & icon in the Polynesian community.
Rob Pome'e from Three Houses Down said the group were saddened to hear of the loss of someone who they consider to be a brother in the music industry. The Three Houses Down brothers have known Laga since 2009/2010 when they visited the US and Hawai'i and formed a relationship with the singer back in his Lost Coast Sound days.
"He was always a low-key, humble, quiet guy, but one of those musicians that just knows his craft - real down to earth kind of cat and musician wise he was a silent assassin (laughs).
His music ability was next level and he just had a sharp ear for everything including vocals - he was always smiling, joking, and had a real good sense of humour" said Rob
More tributes to Laga below -
Producer & Film maker Canaan Ene has put together a Spotify playlist with over 3 hours of Laga Savea's music. Click here to enjoy
Manuia lau malaga Laga, thank you for your music & we offer our alofa and condolences to the Savea family at this time.
-
Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air