Samoan local artists Sam Chookoon, who also goes by his stage name "Mr Cowboy", is on the finalist's list for the Pacific Music Award 2021.

The finalist of the artists was announced by the Pacific Music Awards Trust through mainstream media and on social media in New Zealand.

Responding to an email to Samoa Observer, Mr Cowboy says that he didn't put his name down as a nominee, it was his good friend Josh Mase. 

However, he said he is humble to be the finalist of the Pacific Music Awards.

"It's a great and humbling feeling to be recognized by the international stage of music. Especially in the category of best international pacific artist," he said. 

"We local artists could only dream of being named at this prestigious award and it's a positive mark for our other future Samoan local artists.

"Yes, my good friend Josh Mase joked about putting my name into the PMA awards. I never thought he was serious until another friend of mine sent me a picture of the PMA confirmation letter saying I am a finalist in the Best International Pacific Artist category. 

"Later Josh video calls me showing me the certificate. I was shocked!"

Speaking about his singing talent, Mr Chookoon comes from a family that loves country musics which inspires him to sing like one. 

He said that he used to get mocked by the people because of his voice but he still sings and he believes that anyone can achieve anything if they believe and have faith in themselves.

"I grew up in a family that loves country music, my dad used to sing all the time to artists like Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, etc…. And naturally, I loved that type of music - I loved singing but I used to get teased a lot because my voice was different from other kids growing up and I sounded flat when singing in church."

"But it never stopped me from wanting to sing, I started at church activities and entered TV1s Star Search competition in my last year of high school. From then on I've continued to build up my singing career, writing my own songs, touring, and uploading my music to my YouTube channel."

Mr Cowboy has never had any challenges in building and developing his music career as he is doing what he loves which is singing country music.

"Challenges? I wouldn’t say I have faced many challenges - when you love music this much the hard times just come and go… one thing I normally get criticized about is listeners saying that I use auto-tune, that my deep tone is not natural."

"This makes me enjoy singing live so they can hear what I can do with my voice. Usually, they look shocked lol."

His song called "Daddy Toe Sau" is a hit, and that is the song that has made him on that finalist's list, and he says all those who were nominated are all great artists.

"I think that all the artists nominated are great talents and to be a finalist in this category is a huge WIN for us all. It’s an honor to be beside them."

Mr Cowboy confirmed that he won't be able to travel for this music award night as his father is sick, and due to the travel restrictions that Samoa still has while encouraging the young and rising stars to always believe in themselves.

"At the moment I would say no as my father is unwell and I want to be around for him. With the Covid situation traveling for short periods isn’t possible."

"Always believe in yourself, Never listen to people who say you cannot take your music further. Never hide your talent, be proud and use what God has given you."

The 2021 Pacific Music Awards finalists are:

Auckland Council Best Pacific Female artist:

• Jordan Gavet - "Do Better"
• Lou'ana - "Moonlight Madness"
• Tree - "Mrs Tree"

NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male artist:

• Hawkins - "Can't Leave it Alone"/ "Streetlights"/ "Fireflies"/ "I couldn't tell it all"
• Kings - "Help Me Out"
• Melodownz - "Fine"

Flava Best Pacific Group:

• Church & AP - "At Thy Feet"
• Shepherd Reigns - "Aiga"
• STNDRD - "Keep it STNDRD"
• Team Dynamite - "Dragon Fruit ft. Louis Baker"

NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video:

• Kings - "Help Me Out" directed by Kings
• Tree - "Afio Ane Loa" directed by Tree Manu & Quincy Filiga

APRA Best Pacific Song:

• Jawsh 685 - "Savage Love (Laxed -Siren Beat)", written by Joshua Nanai, Phil Greiss, Jason Derulo, Jacob Kasher Hindlin.
•  Kings - "Help Me Out", written by Kingdon Chapple-Wilson, Matt Sadgrove, Sam Eriwata, Joel Latimer.
•  Team Dynamite - "Dragon Fruit ft Louis Baker", written by Tony Sihamau, Lance Fepuleai, Harry Huavi, Louis Baker

.SunPix Best Pacific Language:
• Loopy Tunes Preschool Music - "Umukisia".
• Samson Squad - "Taviri/Manea/Te Kuki Airani".
• Shepherds Reign - "Aiga".
• Tree - "Mrs Tree".
Base FM NZ & Island Base FM Samoa Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist:
• Church & AP - "At Thy Feet".
• Diggy Dupe - "That's Me, That's Team".
• Melodownz- "Fine".
Best Pacific Soul/R&B Artist:
• Emily Muli - "Self Care".
• Lepani - "In the Moment EP".
• Lou'ana - "Moonlight Madness".
Best Pacific Roots/Reggae Artist:
• Lomez Brown - "The Feels & Groove EP".
• Raggadat Cris - "Nay Sayers".
• Victor J Sefo - "My Everything"/"Is It Bad"/"Want To"/"Like".
531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist:
• Erakah - "How You Love Me".
• Marley Sola - "Lift Your Head High".
• TY - "Never Too Far"/"Drive".
Niu FM Best International Pacific Artist:
• DJ Noiz - "Amelia ft Kennyon Brown, Donell Lewis, Victor J Sefo".
• J Boog – "Siva Mai feat Siaosi".
• Mr Cowboy - "Daddy Toe Sau".
• Tenelle - "This Is X".
Recorded Music NZ Best Pacific Music Album:
• Lepani - "In the Moment EP".
• Lou'ana - "Moonlight Madness".
• Tree - "Mrs Tree".
Best Producer
• Jawsh 685 - "Savage Love (Laxed -Siren Beat)", produced by Jawsh 685.
• Lepani - "In the Moment EP", produced by Lepani, Rory Noble, Ambian & Sleo, Devin Abrams.
• Lou'ana - "Moonlight Madness", produced by Nathan Judd.