There was an air of excitement as the pre-fireworks entertainment officially kicked off at 7pm last Friday evening ahead of the midnight fireworks display to usher in the new year.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, Minister of Police and Prisons, Faualo Harry Schuster and the Minister of Tourism, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster were part of the official guests seated in the the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) fale as the program got underway.

It was a mixed crowd of families, vendors, official program coordinators for the night as well as the police and KL Security Services personnel maintaining order. The pre-fireworks entertainment of dancing and laughter lasted five hours with the audience seated in tents at the Eleele Fou enjoying every minute.

Restaurants and small eateries nearby also capitalised on the event last Friday getting a lot of customers, with vehicle queues at the McDonalds drive-through starting at the Tower Clock roundabout. 

The official program’s master of ceremony (M.C.) and radio presenter, Iosefa Domingo Enari who is also known as “young Sefa”, said that it was an honor for him to host the last S.T.A. event before the country welcomed the new year. 

He recalled his young days watching the faleaitu (comedy skits) and other performances from where Friday night’s audience were seated. 

“Now I am a master of the ceremony for Samoa and I feel it is an honor to do it with my fellow M.C. Fanaea Natu,” said Mr Enari.

Asked what his message for the youth of Samoa would be for the new year, he said, “Just do it, if you think that that is what you are into and it is good for you, then go for it. 

“Believe in yourself.”

A Tanoaileia youth group from Vaivase Uta were amongst the entertainers, with one member of the dancing troupe, Ms Tunupopo telling the Samoa Observer that they performed last week, during the Congregational Christian Church Samoa’s 13-days of Christmas celebrations.

Last Friday evening the youth group performed in a 7-minute skit as part of the new year’s eve pre-fireworks entertainment. 

“There are over 20 of us with the youngest 7 (years of age) and the eldest 23. We are all very excited to perform tonight,” said Ms Tunupopo.

Ms Tunupopo, who was the team leader on the night, appealed to her peers to note the message of their skit.

“My advice to the youth is to come watch the entertainment tonight,” she said. “These kinds of skits serve as inspiration and motivation, especially to youth who have not done well in their academic grades in school.”

Their performance is ultimately a form of expression for the participating youth, she added, as it enables them to express themselves and enjoy the company of their peers. Their skits included hip hop, waltz and Christmas dances. 

Others on the program included the Tofuiava Band, Tivi & Leah, United Usos and the Pacific Love Band. 

The leader of the Tofuiava Band, Andrew Bruize, said they were excited to be part of the official S.T.A. program at the waterfront and to inspire young audiences with their music.

He also acknowledged the participation of the Savai’i-based Pacific Love Band that night.

“Music is one art that people can develop to make money from, so the young people can be moved to develop their musical talents too,” Mr Bruize told the Samoa Observer.

Last Friday night’s pre-fireworks entertainment was also live-streamed on social media, enabling Samoans living abroad to enjoy the show, before the clock struck midnight when the fireworks show got underway.