The famous Siva Afi dance, which was performed in a confined space in Matautu-tai, has relocated after the business secured a long-term lease behind the Samoa Tourism Authority fale. 

The establishment of the new Siva Afi stage next to Friendship Park means the Matautu-tai bar and restaurant will remain open to regular customers as it strives to attract tourists to the centre of Apia. 

Owner and businessman, Leota Lene Leota said the relocation comes after 10 years of planning, given that its Matautu-tai space was too small to host the Siva Afi competition and cultural performance. 

Excited about the expansion that comprises a bigger stage and bar and kitchen, Leota hopes to officially open next week before the Teuila festival if everything goes according to plan. 

“The show will move here permanently and the old place remains open for our regular customers there,” said the businessman. "When we are done with the setup and everything, we are looking at three shows per week…we’ve been trying for this and thank God it is through.” 

Leota was queried about the details of the lease and is keeping the details to himself for now, at least until the official launch is done next week. He confirmed that their new space at Friendship Park, which his company secured, wasn't put on public tender and was made possible after he filed an application with the authorities following years of planning.

Speaking about their new location being in the centre of Apia, Leota said he has observed in recent weeks the convenience of accessing the area with a lot of tourists turning up to attend their show. 

He said it’s a shame that their old location is confined and not up to the standard that is needed to host tourists and bigger events. 

And given the demand from tourists and returning citizens, the businessman said the new location provides a bigger stage, to showcase the talents of youths both in town and the rural community.

He said the culture program or performance brings together students who are supported by their parents to perform on stage once a week and also boost their confidence. 

Those that plan to leave for seasonal work are also welcomed by Leota for employment – on the understanding that they would leave when their paperwork is finalised. 

Siva Afi Limited operated its printing company together with its performance stage out of the confined Matautu-tai area in previous years. In 2006 it operated inter alia a bar and restaurant on two parcels of land at Sogi and expanded an entertainment area, factory and retail complex on the 20-year-old land lease. 

But the former administration terminated the company’s lease and evicted Siva Afi from their Sogi premises in order to develop the land and construct the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi building.

The Siva Afi and Samoa Land Corporation, which owned the lease were unable to agree on land for the relocation of Siva Afi and eventually, the leasehold was compulsorily acquired by a proclamation under the Taking of Land Act 1964. 

Subsequently, following the compulsory acquisition of the Siva Afi land, the new T.A.T.T.E. building was erected in the same spot. And after four years of legal battles, Leota was awarded $1.7 million in compensation by the Court of Appeal.