The thanksgiving concert, first ever of its kind to be held in front of the Parliament house, brought smiles to hundreds including the government ministers to conclude Samoa's year-long 61st Independence celebrations.

Held at the Malae o Tiafau on Tuesday evening, one local singer, Aniseko Falemoe shouted, "Fiame (Prime Minister), you are the corner of my heart" in Samoan which brought laughter and excitement to not only to Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa but everyone present.

The concert is the official conclusion of the country's year-long celebration of its 60th Independence anniversary .

Scores of people turned up for the thanksgiving concert which local and overseas Samoan singers performed at for a small cost.

Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio explained the concert as the first of its kind and said it is the definition of "ending with a bang".

"Because of the nature of the concert, everyone wants to play a part in it and it's the first time we've ever held a concert in front of the Parliament," he said. "We have to tread carefully because of sacred ground, we have to ask permission and we're going to treat it with a lot of respect.

"The concert is not going to be a rough one, but a very solemn and sacred in a sense and enjoyable as well. We've had celebrations nationwide throughout the last 12 months and now we are finishing on a high note.

"So it's about reflecting back to the events of the last 12 months and we must give thanks because it hasn't been easy, it's been very eventful and now we are coming to the end and we must reflect."

After the initial program for the Independence, most parliamentarians and guests stayed and joined the public for a fun evening at the concert.

Despite the unexpected rainfall which only lasted for less than an hour, it did not dampen the spirits of many, especially those that remained in the rain and danced to the beat of the songs.

The concert is supported by the Government and they've outsourced it to a local private company Radio Polynesia. As the initiator and sponsor of the event, Tuala said it is in their interest to ensure the concert happens. The concert, which was free of charge, featured Moses Mackay, Marina Davis, Zipso, Robyn Akari, and other overseas and local artists.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, most of the artists see the concert as an opportunity to give back to the country. Many of the artists were never given the opportunity before to come and sing and most of the songs they will be performing are easygoing pop music. 

He added that it was not easy to try and coordinate the artists because of their requirements, especially when dealing with professionals, who have their own managers as well as specific requirements

The Government has allocated SAT$300,000 to pay for the concerts including the artists, though Tuala has emphasised that even this amount was not enough due to the presence of high-profile artists. 

"If you look at the kind of artists and all of the people behind it, it's a lot more but it's not about the money it's about the government allowing the private sector to take on these events," he said. "Usually these events are organised by Government officials but they have their own work cut out that are responsible for their jobs.

"But this is very prudent of the Government to actually allow the private sector to sort it out and this means that the officials can now focus on doing what they're supposed to do.

"If you cost it according to proper economics, it will be close to a million tala and of course, the Government doesn't have that sort of money so a lot of these artists are coming in not for the pay but they're here to make it happen. A lot of people are volunteering but the Government has given them some money which is enough to enable the concert."