SIVA AFI JOURNEY TO SAMOA - 20th International Siva Afi competition

Talofa lava from Tāmaki Makaurau.

O lo’u igoa o Hadassah Tagoai- Vaoa. As a proud Samoan woman, I love exploring different aspects of my culture whether it be performing arts or the language in order to strengthen my knowledge and connection. This is because my culture moulds the foundation of my identity. Actioning my love for my culture looks like choosing to be a teacher in a Samoan Bilingual unit in South Auckland and it also looks like trying new things whether it be learning its history and protocols. This love also led me to learning the art of Siva Afi. I competed in the NZ Siva Afi festival in 2020 in which I placed top 3.

I am a part of a group called Wahine Toa Siva Afi that consists of driven woman who share the same vision as I. We have done gigs for community and corporate events. I fully believe that competitions aren’t the best way to measure passion and skills. But I think it’s a great opportunity for one to meet others who share a same passion/drive and it an experience where one will most likely walk away challenged to improve their craft.

And that is my “why” for choosing to accept the opportunity to go. I want to challenge myself to develop self love and self confidence. To continue growing in the art. Regardless of placing, I want to prove that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. I am currently needing your help to raise funds to:

1) Upgrade my single and double knives for the competition

2) Competition registration, and

3) Flight ticket

I can’t guarantee that I’ll win this competition, but I can definitely guarantee you that your support will help me so much in ways that you will never understand. I will finally get to experience what a competition looks and feels like and not only that, it is back in my homeland- Samoa.

Faafetai Tele lava Hadassah