Proceeds from a concert by New Zealand-based Samoans will be donated to support the fight against the measles epidemic. 

The concert on Thursday night was initially planned for Christmas this year as a way for the Samoan singers and disc jockeys to give back to the people.

But when they arrived in Samoa recently they were shocked by the epidemic’s increasing death toll and its impact on the community. 

Artist Ben Ifopo Taefu Vili, whose stage name is Mr. Orator, told the Samoa Observer in an interview that they did not think the measles outbreak in Samoa would come to this.

“When we had a plan to come to Apia, we never thought this was going to be the case for Samoa, and we felt for our people and I’m pretty sure what we’re going to do is donate this money to the people and it’s something we should do,” he said.

His group comprises New Zealand-based Samoan musicians, DJ Vino Tafili, Love Muese Ioane and King Saua Ioane staged by Love.King.

The artists acknowledged Taumeasina Island Resort's support.

Mr. Orator and Love.king are performing for the first time in Samoa.

“A lot of our people fall into that stigma of being shy not reaching for the stars and not going that extra mile in their lives which is why our songs are mostly about being confident about yourselves,” he said.

“I want to get back to where it all started and I’m from Savaii and we’re proud to be Samoan.”

The group of musicians praised Samoa culture and values for being the inspiration behind their career in music.

DJ Vino from 2Lelei Entertainment in New Zealand said he’s always proud to be back.

“It’s always a good feeling to keep coming back to Samoa and play for our people especially during times like these,” he said.

“We want to take our talents somewhere else as we move up the ladder because sometimes when you write songs and record it on YouTube.”

The musicians said  they move up the ladder and when they travel to other countries to perform, they showcase their talents to encourage Samoans at the musical level.

“Money is not everything and I think that we’re going to do is something from our heart and hopefully it will help someone out there,” Mr. Orator said.

“All the money raised in our show is what we’re going to give to our people. It’s challenging and we don’t have any major sponsors.”

“I know it’s hard to come but let’s put it the other way around like if you come here you’ll forget about some sadness from the measles.”