A New Zealand-based band has released two songs which it hopes will give strength and hope to the people of Samoa amid the measles epidemic.

SJ Demarco, who spoke on behalf of the Frontline Production team, said they were touched by the crisis of the last two months relating to the outbreak which led to them writing and producing the two songs.

The two songs are titled “Samoa Ala Mai Nei” and “Samoa Fifilemu”.

Demarco said they felt sad for the families who lost loved ones during the epidemic and their first song “Ala mai Nei” is a Methodist Church hymn, which they decided to do a cover of in order to bring the spirit of Christmas back to the Samoan people.

“We hope and pray that the Christmas season will restore the broken hearts of all the families who are now grieving the death of their loved ones,” he said.

He said the second song “Samoa Fifilemu” was a collaboration with his brother Saia Frank Sola.

“Samoa Fifilemu” was a collaboration with my brother Saia Frank Sola in dedication to our people who are currently living in uncertainty with this epidemic.”

The musicians said their song also puts a spotlight on negative social media posts by members of the public in recent weeks, while the country is caught up in the measles outbreak. 

“We want to share with them the importance of standing together as our Samoa is going through tough times as of now, we shouldn’t be up on social media blaming who and who and all that,” added Mr Demarco.

“We don't need this kind of action, we need to fight together united we stand, divided we fall.”