A current employee of the National Orchestra of Samoa, who took out the top prize in Samoa’s 2022 Star Search Samoa talent show, has credited his father and family for his success. 

Benjamin Solomona, who is a violin tutor and arranges and composes music for the orchestra which comes under the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture, was awarded the top prize by the TV1 program’s judges last Thursday.

"It feels different, having to be known in our beloved Samoa, being recognised by many is a whole new level for me to take in and still processing at the moment,” Mr. Solomona told the Samoa Observer 

“It is a great feeling but not to forget the man above for blessing me with this great opportunity.” 

When asked what he aspired to achieve as a musical talent in Samoa, he said the Star Search talent show is the beginning of a journey, though he added that it would come with a lot of expectations.

“I have plans on doing something great for music, it is my way of giving back to the country and to the lord.

“There are originals I've been writing and soon will be recorded and released and hopefully in the near future I will be holding a concert here, along with my musician friends and give Samoa and also show out to the world what I am made of.” 

The music prodigy then paid credit to everyone who played a party in his journey to success and pointed to Faith Divine Amiatu and Namulauulu Fransizka Sione for helping out with his tracks, and Enoch Fruean for the violin he used for one of the themes in the talent show (the Christian theme), and Michael Tamanikayaroi with his guitar.

"Secondly, my boss Fonoti PJ Sili Ieriko (Director of the National Orchestra) who has been giving tips and guiding me on the song choices," he said. 

“Thirdly my own flesh and blood, Simeti Turituri Solomona for being my driver, if it weren’t for him I wouldn’t have made it on time for the show and our mom Sopoitulagi Turituri for being a great support.

"Last but not the least my mother Fauono Tuaovaigafa Gladys Fuimaono, she has been providing not only the beginning of the Star Search journey but also from when I was a young boy. 

“She has been taking care of my costumes and also my guide if I’m playing my instruments right if I were to perform live on the show. 

“I wouldn’t have made it without such an amazing woman.”

The 2022 Star Search Samoa winner also credited his father and Samoan pianist player, Tanuvasa Faamanatu Solomona. 

“The man behind everything I’ve done mentally, physically, academically and of course musically, Tanuvasa Fa’amanatu Solomona – he has been with me ever since and always will.”

Asking what his advice would be to aspiring Samoan singers and musicians, Mr. Solomona said it is important for them to believe in themselves. 

"To the future singers, I wish you good luck and I tell you, if you are singing, don’t stop, even if you have hardship with whoever tells you otherwise, don’t let them, if you really love singing then don’t stop. 

“Lastly, I tell you, you can never be like me, you can never be Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson or any other artists or singers known, you can only be you. Like all common and important advice says ‘believe in yourself.”

Tanuvasa told this newspaper that he was proud of his son having won the 2022 Star Search Samoa talent show. "Having my Son win TV1 Samoa Star Search 2022 has made me very happy," he said. 

His wife Fauono Gladys Fuimaono also said the win by their son meant a lot for the both of them as parents, especially his father Tanuvasa.

"It meant a lot to Tanuvasa because of how he critiqued the many sons and daughters of Samoa throughout his many years as a judge of this great singing competition. 

“Having his son become a star of this competition is a great kick start to his future musical endeavours locally and abroad.”

Mr. Solomona won several prizes including a cheque for WST$7,000 tala from the National Bank of Samoa. He hails from the villages of Vaivase-Tai, Moata’a, Apia, Nofoalii and Paia i Savai'i.