“We Are Samoa” composer Jerome Grey makes emotional return home

“Samoa is in my blood, in my music, and in my spirit.”: Jerome Grey returns home for historic Independence celebrations

For the first time in more than a decade, legendary Samoan entertainer and composer Jerome Fa'anana Grey is returning home to Samoa, joining the nation’s 64th Independence celebrations in what many are calling a deeply emotional full-circle moment.

Best known as the writer of the iconic song We Are Samoa, Grey will return to Samoa this June for his first visit since 2012, performing during national festivities that celebrate Samoan identity, resilience and cultural pride.

Now approaching his 80th birthday in 2027, Grey says the journey is about far more than music.

“At this stage of my life, I find myself looking back to my roots,” he shared in an exclusive Q+A.

“I wanted to come home to see family and old friends, revisit the places where I grew up and went to school, and spend time honoring my parents at their resting place. Samoa will always be home to me, no matter where life has taken me.”

This year’s Independence theme, “Samoa ua tasi mo se amataga fou” (“Samoa united for a new beginning”), makes the homecoming especially meaningful, as Samoans around the world reconnect in celebration of nationhood and heritage.

Grey was invited to participate in the celebrations by longtime friend and Cabinet Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, with performances scheduled for the Variety Show on June 1 and the Prime Minister’s Ball on June 3.

He will perform alongside his sons Tinifuloa Grey, Taumata Grey and Vaea A’etonu.

For generations of Samoans across the globe, Grey’s music has become inseparable from memories of home, celebration and identity itself. Songs like We Are Samoa have carried the Samoan language and spirit across oceans and decades, becoming staples at family gatherings, community events and cultural celebrations worldwide.

“One of the things I am most proud of is writing ‘We Are Samoa,’” Grey said.

“It is hard to believe that it has now been 47 years since the song was created, and yet it still continues to bring Samoans together all around the world. To know that something I wrote from the heart became a song that people still sing today with pride is truly humbling.”

“More than anything, I am proud that my music has helped keep our culture, language, humor, and Samoan spirit alive across generations.”

Throughout a career spanning decades, Grey has become one of Samoa’s most recognisable musical ambassadors, introducing Polynesian music and culture to audiences around the world while remaining grounded in Samoan values and storytelling.

During his extended stay in Samoa, the Grey family will also host a special intimate performance event on June 6, celebrating Jerome Grey’s extraordinary musical journey and honouring the culture and people who inspired it.

The return also marks a significant new chapter for the family through the launch of the Pasifika Music Foundation, a nonprofit organisation established in honour of Grey’s lifelong contribution to Pacific music and culture.

The foundation aims to preserve and advance Pasifika music, storytelling, language and cultural education for future generations through mentorship, performances, cultural initiatives and community engagement.

Grey says returning home again is already reigniting his creativity.

“Right now, I am working on new music and writing songs for another album, so returning home is very important creatively and spiritually for me,” he said.

“At the same time, I know there are many things about Samoa that never change — our faith, our culture, our love for family, and the spirit of our people.”

“This trip is not only about performing; it is about reconnecting with the heart of who I am.”

As Samoa prepares to celebrate 64 years of independence with pese fa’a Samoa, cultural performances, ceremonies and community festivities, Jerome Grey’s return stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring heartbeat of Samoan music and the deep connection between homeland, culture and identity.