A legendary Pacific Islander band is kicking off their first major tour in the U.S. with a show in San Pedro.
Punialava’a is set to perform at CRAFTED At The Port Of LA on Aug. 2.
The group is a multi-generational Samoan band that was formed in the late 60’s by singer-songwriter Reverend Iosefa Lale Peteru. He later enlisted the help of singer Vini Peteru née Sofara. Her voice helped to define the band’s unique sound.
Their musical partnership soon blossomed into a personal one, and the two eventually married and started a family. And now, nearly 60 years after it began, the whole Peteru family is a part of the living legacy.
Nanai Viellani Lale Peteru, the eldest of the siblings, tells KTLA 5 they’re excited to perform their music for fans in the United States.
“We’ve toured a lot in New Zealand, Australia, but nothing as big as here in the U.S. We’re so excited to see the fans,” Peteru said. “Our group has existed for nearly six decades, so to see the old and the new generations come together is kind of buzzing because we are affecting people’s lives. And we’re very grateful for that opportunity.”
Punialava’a continues to write new original music in the Samoan language, seeing it as a moral duty to their culture.
“It’s very important to us that we ensure that that legacy is carried on, and that the younger generations get to understand our lineage, our language, and ultimately, our culture,” Peteru said.
With the help of their youngest sibling, Melody, the group is producing songs the new generation of fans can appreciate too.
“We have to target the younger market. We always go to her and say, ‘What do you think?’ ‘Is this cool enough for your generation?’ And if she doesn’t agree, we go back and revisit the song,” the eldest sibling said.
Music is ingrained in the family and all the Peteru siblings got their starts in the group at a young age, including the youngest who first appeared on stage with Punialava’a at the young age of two.
The siblings say their parents heavily influenced their career paths as musicians, but came to love the profession on their own.
“It’s a passion,” Leluaipouomalo Punialavaa Lale Peteru said. “When I’m at home with nothing to do, I just pick up my guitar and start jamming. It’s the only thing I want to do.”
Punialava’a hopes the fans walk away from their concert in San Pedro with one thing, memories. “Our music is profoundly linked to people’s memories of their loved ones who have passed, and now, we’re creating more memories for the new generation.”
Saturday’s show will be full of all the classic hits fans know and love, as well as their new music. There will be something for everyone. The show also doubles as a fundraiser for the Dominguez Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Compton.
Revered Pausa Thompson tells KTLA, with the funds raised on the tour, the church will be able to create a meeting place for Samoans in Southern California.
“Our church sits on two acres of land. We want to build a new sanctuary, a Samoan Fellowship Hall, where the community can come together. One of the most important things about the Samoan culture is places where you meet, convene and share stories together.”
For more information about Punialava’a’s upcoming concert, and to buy tickets click here.
