The Lava Hotel and the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) have announced the staging of their 60th Independence Corporate Concert early next month.

Lava Hotel Chairman Pepe Christian Fruean and S.T.A. Marketing Manager Dwayne Bentley held a joint press conference Thursday to announce details of the Saturday 3 September concert.

They said the concert will be headlined by the Punialava'a Band which will kick off the independence celebrations and set the tone for the festivities, uniting Samoans from around the world as well as visiting friends and tourists.

The concert will also mark the official launching of the Punialavaa Band’s newest album 'Tagi le Autnuu Pele', which the concert organisers believe resonates well with Samoa's 60-year journey that ties in with this year’s theme of “Folau ma le Faatuatua”. 

New and emerging artists will also feature at the concert to showcase their talents, according to the organisers. The presence of the Punialava'a Band on the island is expected to spark interest among their 1 million-plus social media followers.

With Samoa’s tourism operators beginning to take on guests after a two and a half year shut down, the concert jointly hosted by Lava Hotel and the STA is expected to be Samoa’s first major music concert since 2019.

According to Pepe, during the lockdown Samoa remained steadfast and resilient, though tourism operators were not without their challenges.

"Throughout the challenges imposed by the pandemic, Samoa has remained steadfast and resilient and with the Government signalling Samoa's way forward, we stand united, stronger and prepared to welcome our family and friends as well as tourists back to our shores,” said the Lava Hotel Chairman. 

"In its first two years of operations, Lava hotel has challenged itself to improve service delivery and delight guests. 

“We are eager to showcase our capability and unique customer experience with the hosting of the Punialava'a Independence Corporate Concert and looking forward to welcoming family and friends for a night of celebration."

The concert will be held at the Lava Hotel on Saturday 3 September with corporate tables available for purchase from the hotel. The concert is brought to you by the S.T.A., Digicel Samoa, Fiji Airways and Taula Beverages.