The Nu'u Samoa name was brought about in February 11th 2006 so we're still history in the making, however the name and radio program would not exsist if it wasn't for it's former name and broadcasters who were our Pioneers.
Nuanua Samoa the "Samoan Rainbow" was introduced to the airwaves in the late 90's by the Faletoese family with Rev' Tepa Faletoese, Vincent and Alu Faletoese. One could argue that they were the first to have a P.I. program all in a Samoan format in a weekend timeslot, but you could not argue about the Golden Ali'is, Penina Tiafau, 5 Star and Tiama'a songs they played along with the mix of playful banter from Vince and the readings from Rev' Tepa.
For those of us who did not understand the Samoan language that well, tuned in to enjoy the sound of Samoa. The music, the readings and the chatter which is all reminiscence of the Islands of Samoa.
As the years rolled on the honours was handed down from Vincent and Alu Faletoese to Kenape Faletoese who introduced a formidable crew consisting of Ata Kuresa with his Samoan poetry, and readings, DJ Balafu with his Samoan mixes, Reporters Fitu Fa Lima, Tipolo, Brutha Gee and with the Samoan oratory skills of Peter Tunupopo the Samoan Rainbow radiated higher.
It was at this time in 2001 when DJ Lambi joined the ranks of Nuanua Samoa that the promotions of Samoan artists started to flourish. Samoan artists Marina Davis, Lole Usoali'i and B.E.T. who came into the the small studio for interviews were spoilt by the Samoan sized breakfasts prepared by Hozay Faletoese (Etina). The attractions of these breakfasts also introduced Apa Eleni (Ray) to Nuanua Samoa.
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The Auckland Samoan Gospel Choir sporting a very young and talented guitarst named Vi'i, (who is now with his brother Nainz in Adeaze) were also treated with Samoan hospitality fit for a Matai in return for an unforgettable performance from the group at the Lithuanian Hall and the Samoan Church in Balmain. Other artists such as Ardijah, Maxi Preist, Che Fu, King Kapisi and The Brownies were all subjected to the Nuanua Samoa reporters. Sports personalities were also targeted. Etina was introduced to the NRL Warriors and Peter Tunupopo tracked down Micheal Jones and the Manu Samoa team during the trials for the 2003 World Cup.
2003 was also the changing of the guard with Hozay Faletoese now at the helm with Fitu Fa Lima, Bruddah Gee, Apa Eleni,Wilz Power and the late Rosetti Tanoi all under the Samoan Rainbow. It was here that the bilingual format became more evident and the music featured more overseas Samoan artists from not only from NZ and Samoa but also from Hawaii and the United States. Samoan Topics were always discussed openly and with gusto with topics from music to politics or food to the Teuila Festival. Educational segments with Etina, learning the Samoan Language in which she played the role of the teacher and DJ Lambi and Eleni the students. And you could not forget the "Cooking with Etina" Segment. It was through that segment younger generations could learn the art of cooking like the mums and aunties of old.
2004 the baton was passed onto Fitu Fa Lima and with Etinas transition to Samoan Dreaming, DJ Lambi, Brother Gee and Apa Eleni concentrated on the Samoan Artist boom in which artists like Victor and Fanu, Junior Maile, Toa, Pati, Pacific Soul and many more have followed the footsteps of Jamoa Jam by introducing the world to Samoan Styled music. 2004/5 after the outbreak of the "Crusader" Scribe, Nesian Mystic, Adeaze, Boo ya Tribe, Feelstyle and Fat Freddys drop a new captain was crowned at Nuanua Samoa.
June 2005 Apa Eleni and DJ Lambi teamed up with Ella and Masimasi who are now our current broadcasters under the new name of Nu'u Samoa.
With a new crew, new name and with new Samoan artists on the horizon, the future of Nu'u Samoas history is looking bright. But in reading the above passages it has always been bright thanks to the dedication and effort of the past broadcasters, the dedicated listeners and the understanding and blessings from our elders.
The Samoan Rainbow will always be in our Village, the playful banter still continues and every now and then you will hear the sounds of the Golden Ali'is, 5 Star, Penina Tiafau or Tiama'a.