Legendary Samoan singer, songwriter, composer, and cultural ambassador Jerome Fa'anana Grey will make a return to Samoa this June as part of Samoa’s 64th Independence Celebrations, marking his first return to Samoa since 2012.

Now approaching his milestone 80th birthday in March 2027, the entertainer said this journey home represents far more than a performance schedule. For Fa’anana, it is a deeply personal return to his people, culture, and the homeland that shaped his music and life.

Fa’anana was invited to participate in this year’s national Independence festivities by his longtime friend, Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, in celebration of Samoa’s restoration of the traditional multi-day Independence festivities.

Under the official engagement, Jerome Fa’anana Grey and his travelling party will participate in several key Independence events, including the Variety Show on 1 June and the Prime Minister’s Ball on 3 June, where he will perform alongside his sons Tinifuloa Grey, Taumata Grey, and Vaea A’etonu.

“For me, this is more than a performance,” said Jerome Grey. “This is coming home. Samoa is in my blood, in my music, and in my spirit. To stand before my people again during Independence celebrations is one of the greatest honours of my life. I am deeply grateful to the Honourable Prime Minister and the Government of Samoa for this invitation. I cannot wait to sing for my people again.”

Widely recognised as the composer of We Are Samoa, a song embraced by many as Samoa’s unofficial anthem, Jerome Grey’s musical legacy extends far beyond entertainment. His songs have become generational treasures carrying the language, humour, pride, faith, and spirit of Samoa across oceans and through decades.

Alongside countless beloved classics, including Apia Lady, Sau Sau Ia (Jambalaya), and Lo’u Sei Oriana, Jerome Grey’s music has become deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Samoan communities worldwide. For many Samoan families, his music represents memories of home, celebration, laughter, storytelling, and identity itself.

Over the course of more than five decades, Jerome Grey has become one of Samoa’s most recognisable musical ambassadors, helping introduce Polynesian music and culture to audiences around the world while remaining deeply rooted in the values and spirit of the Samoan people.

In conjunction with this historic homecoming, Jerome Grey’s family and team are also preparing a special intimate performance experience scheduled during his extended stay in Samoa on 6 June. 6 — an evening intended to celebrate his extraordinary musical journey, 

The return also comes during an important new chapter for the Grey family through the formation of the Pasifika Music Foundation, a nonprofit organisation established in honour of Jerome Grey’s lifelong contributions to Pasifika music and culture.

The Foundation’s mission is to preserve, perpetuate, and advance Pasifika music, storytelling, language, and cultural education for future generations through music programs, mentorship, cultural initiatives, performances, and community engagement throughout the world.