Documentary: Jerome Grey - We are Samoa

A short film by Daniel Pouesi on the man behind Samoa's famous Cultural Anthem "We are Samoa" — Faanana Jerome Grey.

The documentary traces the legendary, 75-year old Samoan songwriter's humble beginnings from the Loto Samasoni, Samoa to the United States where he presently lives and continues to pen music and serenade audiences at places such as Kenwood's and Trader Joe's, California.

Featuring some of Samoa's favorite folk songs and music by the late Henry Faanana (Jerome's father), the amazing Grey Sisters, and Jerome.

Special appearance by the late Loli Peniamina, one of Samoa's gifted musicians and composers who arranged and recorded Faanana's forthcoming Gospel CD.

At the 2022 Pacific Music Awards in New Zealand, the iconic Samoan singer-songwriter will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award.

In 2021 he was named Polynesia’s Artist of the Decade by the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma,  Washington.

Pacific Music Awards Trust spokesperson Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua says: 

“Jerome has provided us with a Samoan musical compass linking us to our Alofa of being Samoan, our  Alofa for Samoa and our Alofa for Atua God Tupuaga ancestors showing us the way home. 

“Fa'anana epitimises that Pacific composer who musically tells our Pacific stories Tala Fa'asolopito history,  our Malaga journey, and our Tauivi struggles. He tells his love for Samoa, his love for the people of Samoa  and in return we the Samoans around the world sing his Pese song in unison ‘We Are Samoa’. 

“The Pacific Music Awards Trust humbly announces Fa'anana Jerome Grey as the Manukau Institute of  Technology Lifetime Achievement recipient. Fa'avae i le Atua Samoa.” 

Grey’s legacy will be celebrated at the Pacific Music Awards, with a special tribute performance created to honour his impact on the Pacific music scene.