Samoan music runs from ancient rhythm to modern island reggae. It's the sound of celebration and worship, of family and faith — a tradition of powerful voices and deep harmony that has travelled from the villages of Samoa to Pacific communities all over the world. Here's a simple guide to the sounds of Samoa and where to hear them.
Traditional Samoan music
At its roots, Samoan music is built on rhythm and voice. Traditional performance includes the sāsā (a seated group dance driven by synchronised movement), the fa'ataupati (the energetic slap dance), and percussion from instruments like the pate (slit log drum). These forms are tied closely to Samoan culture, ceremony and storytelling.
Church choirs and harmony
One of the most powerful strands of Samoan music is choral singing. The church has long been at the heart of Samoan community life, and Samoan choirs are renowned for their rich, layered harmonies and full, soaring vocals. That love of harmony carries through into almost every style of Samoan music that follows.
String bands
Samoan and wider Pacific string bands — built around guitars and ukuleles — brought a warm, melodic, sing-along tradition to island music. Their relaxed, harmony-rich style became a staple of family gatherings and celebrations, and helped lay the groundwork for the contemporary island sound.
Island reggae and modern Samoan music
Today, much of the popular Samoan and Pasifika sound lives in island reggae — the mellow, soulful blend of reggae rhythm and island harmony. Modern Samoan artists carry the tradition forward, mixing reggae, R&B and pop with the vocal richness that has always defined the music. If you're new to it, our guide to what island reggae is is a great next read.
Where to listen to Samoan music
The easiest way to hear Samoan and Pacific music around the clock is Nesian FM — free, 24/7, with no app or sign-up. Whether you're in Samoa or anywhere across the diaspora, it's the shortest path back to the sound of home.