Talanoa Arts Forum co-founder & co-director Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava (pictured) leading the Si’uleo o Anamua (Echoes of the Beginning) workshops presented across Upolu Island, Sāmoa. Photo courtesy of SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music.
Wednesday, 18th February 2026
Apia, Sāmoa –
Reviving Sāmoa’s Indigenous Music Heritage
Talanoa Arts Forum, in partnership with Hikule’o o Ono’aho, is proud to present Si’uleo o Anamua (Echoes of the Beginning) – a five-day workshop held from 25th February till the 2nd March 2026 presented in Upolu Island, Sāmoa. This initiative aims to revive traditional Sāmoan instruments, such as the fagufagu (nose flute), fāaili ofe (pan pipe) and tu’itu’i (stamping tubes), while fostering cultural revival and environmental stewardship.
Participants will learn to craft and play traditional instruments made from Sāmoa’s local ofe (bamboo), gaining a deeper understanding of Sāmoa’s musical heritage. The program also seeks to build a network of local practitioners committed to preserving indigenous music.
Workshops will be held in diverse settings, including schools, youth groups, and organizations, with activities tailored to engage different audiences. For example, youth will explore creative expression, while inclusive practices will empower participants from the disability community across Sāmoa. Selected groups and venues include Campus of Hope at Sāmoa Victim Support Group; Nofoali'i village youth; Sāmoa Association of Musicians; and the Ōfaga o Sa'ili'iliga Research Museum to name a few.
The workshop will feature a screening of the fagufagu episode from the ‘Instruments of the Moana’ – a popular online docuseries directed by Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava; followed by live demonstrations and interactive sessions with Tau’ili’ili and Hikule’o o Ono’aho. Participants interested in further learning will be invited to join a local practitioner collective for ongoing engagement.
Hikule’o o Ono’aho, a Tongan musical instrument revival collective based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Photo courtesy of Hikule’o o Ono’aho.
Hikule’o o Ono’aho, a Tongan musical instrument revival collective based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, is led by venerable elder Tu’ifonualava Kaivelata and his son 'Uluakimaka Kaivelata. The collective’s mission is to preserve Tongan heritage through music and instrument-making. By exploring the shared musical history between Sāmoa and Tonga, the collective contributes to reviving Sāmoan indigenous music heritage.
Tau’ili’ili and Hikule’o o Ono’aho will also perform at the forthcoming Sāmoa Arts Fono held on 4/5/6 March 2026 presented across Upolu Island.
Si’uleo o Anamua (Echoes of the Beginning) workshop itinerary
Wednesday, 25th February 2026: Workshop 1/5
EFKS Museum
Thursday, 26th February 2026: Workshop 2/5
Pesega Music Academy
Friday, 27th February 2026: Workshop 3/5
Campus of Hope at Sāmoa Victim Support Group
Sunday, 1st March 2026: Workshop 4/5
Nofoali'i village youth
Monday, 2nd March 2026: Workshop 5/5
Ōfaga o Sa'ili'iliga Research Museum
Wednesday, 4th; Thursday, 5th & Friday, 6th March 2026 (3-days)
Sāmoa Arts Fono
Due to limited capacity, the workshops are by invitation only. Venues subject to change.
Contact information
Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava: alpha@talanoaartsforum.ws
Yuki Kihara: yuki@talanoaartsforum.ws
