The country’s first ever DJ Competition was held on Saturday night at the Taumeasina Island Resort with music fans converging at the resort to see the finale.

The competition was the first of its kind in the country and initially attracted over 25 applications, though the organisers say only five applicants met the stringent criteria to compete.

One of the organisers of the DJ Competition, Junior Tasi who is also known as MC Tasi, told the Samoa Observer that there is a lot more to the competition than just music.

He said one of the reasons they initiated the competition is to raise the standard of payments that the DJs in Samoa normally receive.

"Normally a disc jockey would receive maybe only $100 tala for a whole night's performance, which isn't much for those practicing the craft," said Mr Tasi.

"Also we wanted to use this competition to find out who is the real best DJ here in Samoa, there is fierce competition amongst our local DJs so this platform will definitely settle the score to see who is the number DJ.”

Explaining the criteria for those interested in entering the competition, MC Tasi said over 25 applied but only five met the criteria.

"All of the DJs had to submit a video of themselves on the turntables spinning and scratching, only five DJs were able to pass the criteria for the contest," he said.

"We have four male DJs and one female disc jockey vying for the title of Samoa's best DJ.

"There's DJ YG, DJ Yonas, DJ Al, DJ Grabo and our only female entry this year, DJ Neina.”

MC Tasi also said that there will be a music awards as well to find out who will be voted the best male and female musician in Samoa.

In a keynote address, Nah Fretton Folasa, he said that the art of being a disc jockey in general gives people the opportunity to share the human values and celebrate excellence and innovation. 

"It may take many forms, but these arts reflect our culture and time. Events such as this DJ Festival and Music Awards give us the chance to express ourselves creatively," he said.

The competition would not have been possible without the support of Vailima Breweries, Samoan Outreach Community Center, Dominate You Productions, Taumeasina Island Resort and Digi Samoa.

"This event would not have been possible without our sponsors, we hope that they will assist again next year in holding the 2nd Fresh off the Va'a DJ Competition, " said MC Tasi.