Ever wondered what the 684 music scene is like? Need suggestions on artists from the 684 to add to your playlist? Curious about some up-and-coming talents from American Samoa? Well, you're in the right place! Keep reading to learn more!
I had the opportunity to sit down with two rising stars from American Samoa, Manny Veavea and Nancy on the Track, who shared their stories, inspirations, and journey as artists from the "Football Islands" or the "Islands of Paradise."
Nancy on the Track, 25, is from Vatia, American Samoa. He first got into music during his high school years in 2016-2017, after dominating a rap battle event. That was when he discovered his talent for rhyming words and realized that music was his thing. Manny, 24, is from Leone, American Samoa. He started his music journey similarly, taking on social media rap challenges like the "Ten Toes Down Challenge" and "Sad Rap Challenge" with his siblings. IYKYK! From those early freestyle sessions, Manny developed his love for music and honed his skills.
When asked about their inspiration, Nancy shared that Zipso is his musical idol, having grown up listening to his songs, and considers him the OG of Samoan music. Manny, on the other hand, said music itself was his outlet. It was his escape and his way of expressing what he couldn't say out loud. He doesn't credit a specific artist for his passion but acknowledges the universal language of music as a driving force behind his pursuit.
Both artists agreed that their goal is for people to simply vibe to their music. They shared that their song "Dass Ryte," which samples Ciara's classic track "Goodies," is a perfect introduction to their work. The accompanying music video, which features friends and family from American Samoa, is all about showcasing good vibes and has already amassed over 155k views on YouTube.
The Stigma Around Sampling
As with any artistic journey, there are challenges. Manny mentioned that one of the biggest hurdles they face is being taken seriously as musicians. He shared that there's a common misconception about music coming out of American Samoa and Samoa— people often dismiss it as not being "real" music because much of it is sampled from other artists. "But that's what makes our music, our music," he explained. "It's our own vibe. Just because we sample, doesn't mean there's no artistry behind it." He shared that sometimes people label them as "fobs," but Manny is determined to shatter that stereotype and prove that their music, while deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, can connect with audiences everywhere— because at the end of the day, we're all human.
"There's a stigma about music from American Samoa and Apia—that we're not real musicians because we often sample and tweak others' work. But that's just part of our artistry and what makes our music, our music; that's our vibe."
Despite these challenges, Manny and Nancy have experienced some amazing triumphs. They shared that they wrote the entire song "Dass Ryte" in just one hour during their first meeting. Although it didn't gain much traction initially, their persistence paid off. They promoted the track tirelessly on social media and eventually shot a music video with I-Films, also known as @dude_noz on social media. Overnight, the song started gaining popularity, and now it's one of their proudest achievements.
A Small Scene, Strong in Unity
When discussing the music scene in American Samoa, they explained that it's "all local." Artists support one another, and there's a strong sense of unity. However, the lack of resources, such as record labels, makes it difficult for them to take their careers to the next level compared to other Polynesian artists based in the U.S., New Zealand, or Australia. Manny shared that being a musician isn't considered a career in American Samoa and that it took his family a while to accept his pursuit of music. "It's a small scene, but it's strong in unity," they emphasized. "Everyone supports everyone."
What makes the American Samoan music scene unique? They said it's something you have to experience firsthand. Lyrics like "eva i le sports bar" from "Dass Ryte" hold special meaning for locals because there are only two sports bars on the island, making it a shared experience and an inside joke. It's the kind of detail you only understand by being there.
Their culture plays a huge role in shaping their sound, as both artists pay homage to the Pasifika greats who came before them by incorporating familiar elements while adding their own twist. For example, Manny's song "It's On You" samples a track by Witcombe, who he grew up listening to, and it was a dream come true for him to collaborate with them on the music video and for him to clear the sample.
The duo also recently opened for Common Kings at the Bluesky show, an unforgettable experience that boosted their confidence as performers. Looking ahead, Manny said his ultimate goal is to help his family through his passion for music. "If I can make music, be happy, and provide for my family, then I'm good," he shared. Nancy echoed this sentiment, adding, "God blessed us with these talents, and as an American Samoan man, providing for family is part of our culture."
Manny and Nancy have more tracks in the works and encourage everyone to stay tuned. Nancy just dropped a music video for his track "True Story" featuring Jay Shootah, and Manny has a new track coming soon, paying homage to Bay Area legend Mac Dre. Make sure to follow them on social media to keep up with their latest projects: @nancy.84official and @manny_veavea.
When asked how they want to be remembered, Manny and Nancy said they hope to inspire the next generation of American Samoan artists to keep pushing forward and never give up. They want to break barriers, show that they can put their small island on the map, and prove that "fob" isn't an insult but a badge of honor— representing their roots, culture, and a relentless drive to succeed.
Quick Fire With Manny & Nancy
- Describe your music in one word: Manny — Crazy; Nancy — Delusional
- Favorite Samoan artist of all time: Manny — Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E.; Nancy — Zipso & Jay Shootah
- If your life had a theme song, what would it be: Manny — "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen; Nancy — "Dass Ryte" by Nancy on the Track + Manny
- If you could collab with any Pasifika artist, who would it be: Manny — 8RO8; Nancy — Zipso
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, October 2024 (Vol. 1 No. 6).
October 2024 · Digital Magazine
