The significance of Traditional Sounds of the Past 

By Esther Yvonne Atonio/

Apia, SAMOA – 13 February 2026 – “A common factor in the Pacific is that people connect through language, but Samoan ancestors in the olden days connected with the divine by sounds using traditional instruments.”

This is according to Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava who led a seminar at the National University of Samoa, Center of Samoan Studies and shared his knowledge about how Pacific people used traditional instruments to connect with the divine.

He also talked about what he learned from his research on the importance of our cultural roots and how sounds from traditional instruments played a vital role in connecting with ancestors and the spiritual world.

“From my research, I found that Pacific people often connect through language. But for our Samoan ancestors, they connected with the divine through sounds. That’s why sound is so important, and it’s crucial that we remember these traditions existed long before we were born.”

In 2022, Tau’ili’ili hosted a documentary called “Instruments of the Moana” that documented the findings of his research.

The video features Pacific Islanders sharing stories about their cultural traditions and how traditional instruments are used across the Pacific Islands.

Tau’ili’ili emphasizes the importance of reviving Samoa’s unique musical identity.

He believes that while Europeans have categorized music but Samoans have its own distinctive sound created with traditional instruments.

These instruments haven’t disappeared; instead, people have adapted to modern inventions, he urges Pacific Islanders to embrace and promote the sounds of their traditional instruments.

He stated that sounds and storytelling are important ways to connect with our culture.

“They are not just about our bodies, colours, or language.” He also encourages young people to use storytelling to stay connected to Samoa’s culture.

”No matter where they are, listening to our stories helps maintain a strong link to Samoa’s traditions and identity.

“Storytelling helps keep our culture alive. Just like I tell my children stories about Samoa so they know their roots and feel connected to their heritage.”

Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava is a Samoan-Niuean storyteller, filmmaker, composer, and creative leader.

He is also the co-founder and co-director of the Talanoa Arts Forum, a non-profit organization based in Samoa. He was inspired by his grandmother and great-grandmother who were traditional healers, he was also inspired by the Palolomua radio programme of Samoan short stories which kept our culture alive.

“I was always curious about the origin of things, Growing-up I drew inspiration from my strong Samoan heritage, tracking back to my grand-mother and great-grandmother who were traditional healers. I was also influenced by the Palolomua programme. These roots motivated me to share our rich history with the next generation.”