LOLE USOALI’I
Lole has been surrounded by music her whole life, from her Tongan Grandfather who was a gifted musician to her brothers who loved to create music. It’s no wonder that she became the first Samoan Solo Artist to grace the Television and radio of New Zealanders in mainstream music. Lole is considered a pioneer in changing the face of Polynesian - contemporary music of her time. In 1997, she was awarded the “Most Promising Female Vocalist” award at the New Zealand Music Awards. She is a talented singer, songwriter and producer. She also plays the guitar, percussion, piano and a variety of other instruments. Her island heritage brings a unique pacific sound to her musical style. Lole’s has just released her new album entitled “The Movement” and will be performing live in West Valley City, Utah at the E-Center on December 07, 2007.
PT: Your new album entitled “The Movement” will be released this month. What is meant by the “the movement” and what is the significance of this title for your new album. Lole: The Movement means the journeys of our people learning from the past history, where we are today and how we can move forward to be better. It was also inspired by a historical event that took place in Samoa, THE MAU MOVEMENT which was formed to come against colonization of the Samoan People, which led to the independence of Samoa from foreign rulers. PT: What can we expect to hear in this new album? Lole: You can expect everything, a song for everyone, stories being told, and interviews from ex-criminal/gangstas from all Samoans round the world sharing their lives openly and candidly
PT: What are the main differences between this album and your first album? Lole: In this album I wrote 95% of the songs and the interviews are with ex inmates - but the purpose is the same.
PT: If you had the chance to collaborate with anyone in the music scene, who would it be? Lole: Anyone that has the same outlook on music.
PT: What is something about you that would surprise your fans? Lole: My music became a substitute for suicide
PT: What does it mean to you to live a “life filled with purpose”? Lole: You cannot live life without purpose. Everyone has a God-given purpose in life Jeremiah 1:5 God knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb; he has plans to prosper you.
PT: One of the main purposes of the upcoming concert in Utah is to create a positive awareness of our Pacific Islander communities and to promote unity, peace, knowledge and education, hence the theme “Live and Learn”. Please share with us your views, as an artist and a member of our Pacific Islander community on the following three topics in relation to Pacific Islanders.
Educating our Minds Lole: We need to educate our minds, you can have knowledge but if you don’t know how to use that knowledge wisely it’s no good. God gives u the ability to have knowledge; it’s not something you did out of your own effort. Ending violence and Promoting Unity Lole: We need to take responsibility for the violence in our own communities, too many of our people are disconnected from their roots and have lost their sense of identity.
Learning about our Native Cultures and Histories Lole: To me this is the key - WHO YOU ARE! How can you know who you are, or where you belong if you don’t know your cultural your roots. We cannot take for granted the sacrifices of our ancestors and people who made sure that we, our generation are able to live freely in this world. That’s why we have a purpose. We were made into who we are by God for a specific reason; our language and our culture, everything that makes us Pacific Islanders so that God can show the whole world and bring to pass his ultimate Plan—Never forget that!
PT: What do you feel are the biggest misperceptions about Pacific Islander peoples? Lole: Misconceptions of Pacific Islanders is that their unintelligent, stupid, that the only jobs they have are cleaners and bouncers.
PT: What do you feel is our contribution as Pacific peoples to the rest of the world? Lole: We as Pacific Islanders have a lot to teach the world - because we have a redemptive Gift from God that no one else has; the importance of Family, the importance of giving, sharing, forgiveness and love, which is so missing from the world today. I believe that GOD HAS A PLAN AND DESTINY FOR THE POLYNESIAN ISLANDS! CHAT LIVE WITH LOLE Planet Tonga will be hosting a live chat session with Lole via the Planet Tonga chat room for all you Lole fans out there. Please check back for the exact date and time. The live chat session with Lole will only be for an hour so please make sure you plan to be there!!!
Lole’s Myspace http://www.myspace.com/loleusoalii
Lole’s Bebo http://www.lole-usoalii.bebo.com
Lole’s Interview with the Pacific Eye Magazine http://www.planet-tonga.com/pacificeye/May2007/pacificvoices/lole.html
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Subscribe to PT site content via RSS
NZCHICK
