Lene Luaono Crowned Fire Knife Champion of the 2026 Measina Festival

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 03 September 2026 – Lene Luaono of Gagaifo Lefaga and Tufuiopa emerged as Champion of the Ailao Afi – Fire knife dancing competition – one of the highlights of the Measina Festival 2026.

Always a crowd pleaser, the performers took to the stage showing their agility and skills in spinning flaming single then double knives around their bodies and through the air, then catching the flaming blades with precision showing great skills demanding physical fitness.

Nine competitors performed to the beat of drums and shouting, as they developed blazing and circular fires like a volcano, that centre around man as the image of life with man at its centre.

The Ailao Afi is closely linked to Samoa’s warrior traditions. The performances highlighted the high level of physical and mental training and preparation required to deliver a master performance.

The competition brought together performers with different levels of experience and backgrounds and significantly included young autistic performers.

Those who took part included Teddy Moore of Apaula Heights, Lyle Kitiona Naseri of the Samoa Autism Society, Seilala Lumanuvae of Vailima, Sapolu Solomona of Puipa’a, Simati Toomalatai of Puipa’a, Hogan Toomalatai of Faatoia, Junior Solomona of Puipa’a, and Lene Luaono of Gagaifo Lefaga and Tuifuiopa.

The final results:
Champion – Lene Luaono
Second – Seilala Luamanuvae
Third – Simati Toomalatai
Fourth – Jaden Vaiti

The organisers acknowledged the courage of Naseri, who represented the Samoa Autism Society. The event’s co-hosts congratulated him for confidently displaying his talent in fire knife dancing and acknowledged his parents for supporting and nurturing his abilities.

Teddy Moore, the youngest competitor, also received recognition for his bravery and participation.

The Ailao Afi competition formed part of the wider programme of cultural and traditional performances at the Measina Festival 2026 that promoted not only Samoan arts and culture but a campaign against illegal drugs and domestic violence.