How church, family and culture create music star

Sāmoan artist Mesha Fretton is captivating audiences worldwide with her island-inspired sound and says it’s thanks to the endless support of her loved ones.

The 19-year-old sensation was chosen as Precise Sāmoa's top female Sāmoan artist and has 10 million views across YouTube and streaming platforms, with her biggest single LA VIE DANSANTE garnering 4.9 million views on YouTube.

Speaking to Lesa Metitilani Alo on the 685 Show via PMN Sāmoa, the Western Sydney-based artist said her family, church, and culture had been strong support pillars in her journey.

Fretton said her “church family” and faife'au (minister) helped push her to pursue her music career.

She also said music had been a part of her upbringing, through her participation in her school choir alongside being a part of her family's band: Teuila Live Band.

"With my brothers and my cousin and my uncles, so very grateful and blessed for them," Fretton said.

"They help me a lot with my music career and confidence. The person who really pushed me to start my music career was Siosi Vaipua."

Watch Mesha Fretton’s full interview via PMN Sāmoa’s FB below:

Cheers to fanfare
Fans have since embraced Fretton as a staple in their playlist, especially among family and friends sharing kava, which she did not expect when starting to "do it for music".

"I've just been getting so much love and so many messages - people who are reaching out.

"I'm just absolutely grateful for everything and everyone."

Comments from around the globe. Photo /YouTube/Mesha Fretton.

Music, sports and education
Fretton's commitments also extend beyond music, where her love for rugby has led her to be a part of the development team with the champion Penrith Panthers franchise.

"We're just developing so it's not a confirmed team. So hopefully I can train hard and work towards that goal as well - I love rugby."

Although rugby offered a different kind of fulfilment to music, allowing her to be present in the physicality and thrill of the game, music remained the medium that "takes all of me".

"I'm just able to let go of everything and just sing and feel it.

"I can easily share what I feel in music with others and I don't think I can do with rugby because people watch but when it comes to music people hear it, people feel it."

While she hopes her music leads her to a tour someday, Fretton also values her role as a student, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary) at Western Sydney University.

Teaching, she said, offered another way to connect with and inspire the next generation to become "the best they can be".

She extended her care for the youth directly, encouraging them to pursue their dreams, saying "just do it" and to try to not overthink it.

"Don't be afraid, don't think about what others think, don't think about the future, don't think about all of those big thoughts.

"Just put your hard work into it, get into it, and do what you can.

"You're not sure how things are going to go until you actually do it."

Click here to listen to Mesha Fretton’s latest song, “Storms Never Last”, with Siaosi Vaipua.