‘Overwhelmed’ to be in Samoa

By Sarafina Sanerivi 14 March 2017, 12:00AM

Renowned Dutch singer and songwriter, Julia Zahra touched down in Samoa yesterday. 

This is her first time in Samoa, and she was welcomed in a traditional Samoan way by the staff of the Taumeasina Island Resort Hotel. 

Upon arrival at the hotel’s gates, Julia’s vehicle was pulled in the rest of the way by some of the warriors of Taumeasina Hotel. 

She was then greeted with a traditional Ava ceremony hosted by the General Manager of Taumeasina, Nathan Bucknall and his staff. 

Moreover, the 21-year-old was then entertained by Taumeasina’s own dance group. 

In an interview with the media yesterday, Julia was running out of superlatives.

The welcoming ceremony, she said, was just “amazing.”

“I’ve never seen anything like that before,” she laughed.

“It started when we arrived here at the resort. They pulled the car in and it was crazy, I am overwhelmed by it. I have no idea what just happened but it was just amazing. 

“The welcome has been incredible and I don’t really know what the next two days are going to bring,”

The Dutch singer expressed that she is “very excited” to be in Samoa. 

Why is she in Samoa? 

“I am just trying to visit all the places where my song ‘Just an illusion’ was popular, and I heard Samoa was one of the biggest fans of my song so I wanted to visit and come and meet you guys.”

Julia had just got back from Fiji after winning hearts of so many fans in Fiji, and she is looking at doing the same while in Samoa as well. 

“Fiji has been amazing, but I think every island is different and I can’t wait to meet everyone and to get know the Samoan culture and the people.

“So I am really excited and curious about this island.”

Unfortunately, she is only here for three days. 

However, as this is her first time in Samoa, the humble 21-year-old said she will discover and learn as much as she can about Samoa during her short stay here. 

“I want to see as much as I can,” said Julia. 

“I want to see as much of your culture as I can, check out some of the beaches, taste some of the food and drinks. I only have three days to do all that.”

Julia is from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. She started playing music when she was only eight years old and she also plays a lot of musical instruments. 

Her career as a professional singer started at the age of 17 after she joined a TV Show, Voice of Holland. 

She then joined the Best Singers TV Program in 2015.

She became very popular especially in the South Pacific, including Fiji and Samoa for her rendition of “Just an Illusion” by BZN. 

And that is why she is here, to meet and give back to her fans. 

Finally, Julia expressed gratitude to the Taumeasina staff for the warm welcome yesterday. 

“I just want to thank you all for the warm welcome. I already feel at home, I hope and think that Wednesday is going to be an amazing show and I am looking forward to it.”

Julia and her team are staying at Taumeasina. 

The concert will be held on Wednesday and some tickets are still available at Taumeasina Island Resort.

 

By Sarafina Sanerivi 14 March 2017, 12:00AM

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