Siva Samoa in diaspora – Our connection home
By Lefaoali'i Dion Enari
As Samoans residing outside of the (Mother) land, one of the ways we connect to her is through Siva. Our beautiful Siva Samoa can be found anywhere our people are. It can be seen as far as Germany and as close as the Mangere town centre. Siva can be competitively performed on the Samoan stage at Polyfest or danced during impromptu family gatherings. As a people, we have used this art form in times of celebration, meditation and mourning. The international status of Siva Samoa means not only has it been kept alive among our people, but is also showcased to many non-Samoans globally. The box office hit Hobbs and Shaw, staring Seiuli Dwayne the Rock Johnson is one of many examples of Siva Samoa on display for mainstream society.
What is Siva Samoa?
For me, it is an extension of Samoan lyrics, using body movement to further enhance and tell the story of the song being sung. In the diaspora, Siva Samoa has an additional element, as it helps bring Samoa and ‘Samoaness’ to the spaces it is performed in. Having seen different Siva Samoa around the world, I have been blessed to witness how it connects both the performers and audiences to Samoan pride.
Interestingly, the increased attention toward Siva Samoa has sparked controversy. Many elders, practitioners and students alike have debated on what exactly ‘true’ Siva Samoa is, and what it is not (I’m guilty of participating in some of these discussions). However, as I take a step back and look at the bigger picture, I believe it is healthy to have differences of opinion on how Siva Samoa should be performed. The diversity in actions, motions and songs is what keeps Siva Samoa captivating and mesmerising.
So where to from here?
As a Samoan and cultural researcher, I am proud that our art form is not only surviving, but also thriving. It is important to maintain this art form in diaspora, as it connects us back to our island homeland. Through learning Siva Samoa from our parents, aunties, uncles, grandparents, churches, Siva Samoa schools (see links below) and each other, we can do our part to sustain this measina (treasure). As a Samoan residing in Brisbane, Australia, I acknowledge both my individual and our collective responsibility. May we ensure Siva Samoa is not only alive for us, but that it is also passed down to future generations.
Siva mai, lalo mai, chooohooo.
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Lefaoali’i Dion Enari is a PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Society and Design, Bond University, Gold Coast. He holds a Master of International Relations and Ali’i Tulafale Matai (high talking Chief) title from Lepa, Samoa. His research interests include ethnography, Pacific language, cultural sustainability, indigenous studies, and trans-nationalism.
He is from the villages of Lepa, Malaela, Vaiala, Nofoali’i and Safune.
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Siva Samoa schools
New Zealand
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Australia
Heilani Polynesian School of Arts
Nesian Pearl Siva Samoa Classes
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