Le Masiofo Siva Academy marks 5 years of cultural pride

Sāmoan culture is thriving in West Auckland, thanks to the dedication of a dance academy from New Lynn.

To celebrate its fifth anniversary, Le Masiofo Siva Academy (LMSA) will present a one-night-only production titled "E Maota Tauave, Mamalu Tau'ave Sāmoa".

Since it started in 2021, the academy has quickly gained popularity, with its annual events becoming a key highlight in the local calendar.

The academy embodies the spirit of Sāmoa through powerful storytelling and graceful siva.

Members Tai Junior Malo, Kalisi Eneliko, and Manuniniva Polikapo Leota joined PMN Sāmoa to speak about the impact of their work in the community and what audiences can expect from their upcoming show.

Watch Le Masiofo Siva Academy’s 2024 showcase “E Mamae Le Tava’e I Ona Fulu” below.

Malo, a mentor and a bass player for this year’s performance, says LMSA’s mission is to preserve and sustain Sāmoan culture for future generations.

“The vision is slowly starting to flourish in a sense that we serve our community and people through pese and siva Sāmoa,” he says.

“I think the best thing about it is it's helping our students who have finished school and want to carry on dancing and singing Sāmoan, they can carry it on.

“Also, the bond that they make out of this academy.”

LMSA undergoes an intense 10 to11-week rehearsal period leading to the big performance, and Malo says the knowledge gained during this time is invaluable.

“They walk away with something that they can carry for the rest of their lives, whether they take it to their church, they take it to their families, their village, the song or the actions that they've learned, it's something that we passed down.”

Malo adds that seeing the academy’s vision come to fruition after five years is “God’s work”.

Holding fast to the Fa’a Sāmoa

"E maota tauave, mamalu tau’ave Sāmoa" is a phrase that holds deep cultural significance in Fa’a Sāmoa - the Sāmoan way of life.

It represents a call to strive forward with strength, upholding one’s sacred responsibility to family, village, and heritage.

"E maota tauave" speaks about the importance of the ‘house’ or foundation and remaining grounded in identity, values, and unbreakable cultural roots. "Mamalu tau’ave Sāmoa" is a reminder of the duty to carry the dignity and honour of Sāmoa with pride.

LMSA encourages its students to remember fa’aaloalo (respect), tautua (service) in their efforts to preserve customs and traditions. They strongly believe each person plays an integral role in upholding Sāmoa’s honour.

Autex Industries is a major sponsor of the collective, and Eneliko says the academy’s success is the result of collective collaboration.

“For me and the rest of the team, it’s not one person, it takes a village to raise a child. So having the support of each core team member and also the behind the scenes people, everyone has their individual role that makes Masiofo what it is.”

Leota hopes they have inspired their youth to carry forward the values of heritage and resilience into the future.

“I think we all share the same passion. Our kids can use siva Sāmoa, pese Sāmoa as an outlet to express their culture as well.

“It doesn’t mean you have to be fluent in the language, but this is another way to express their love and their passion for the culture.”

Le Masiofo Siva Academy will present "E Maota Tauave, Mamalu Tau'ave Samoa" at 5pm on Saturday, 5 July, at Auckland’s Trust Arena.

Tickets are available here.