News Release

French Polynesian Youth Music Festival is a Hit

Encouraged to be faithful to their dreams

"What better way to break out of the pandemic than to put on a music festival!" So said the young people from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the community of Faa'a, who recently organized such an event on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia.

It was modeled on the worldwide music festivals organized by the Church that followed the theme of “Trust in the Lord.”

Despite a bit of stage fright, the young volunteer artists delivered great performances.

Harold Teivao, president of the Faaa Takaroa Stake, said, “Our young people decided to explore the songs of our Polynesian cultural heritage because the messages of peace, love, respect and unity that they carry have a strong connection with the Gospel and contribute to build spirituality as well.”

“It was clear to me that this experience strengthened their talents as they showed how they put their trust in God.”

The event was enhanced by the presence of Silvio Cicéro, male single artist of the year for 2022 in French Polynesia, who agreed to host the evening and share two songs from his repertoire.

In his opening message, Silvio told the audience that his father was a pastor, so he grew up in his church and got his start in music there.

He then encouraged the young people to persevere: “I hope you all will follow your dream to the end because there are many people who believe in you. You must keep moving forward, stay focused on your quest, be faithful to your dream, and cultivate it every day, even when things don’t turn out the way you planned.”

Silvio-Cicero,-French-Polynesian-male-artist-of-the-year-for-2022,-hosted-the-music-festival.--June-2022
Silvio-Cicero,-French-Polynesian-male-artist-of-the-year-for-2022,-hosted-the-music-festival.--June-2022
Silvio Cicéro, French Polynesian male artist of the year for 2022, hosted the music festival. June 20222022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Invited guests included government leaders who commented about the young people they met.

Tavana Tetuahau, Deputy Mayor of Faaa, shared: “Tonight we were able to pray through song. No matter our dreams and our aspirations, when we have done our best, when we have given everything, there is nothing better than to trust in the Lord.”

French Polynesia Youth Minister Naea Bennett congratulated the young people: “You are preparing to be the leaders of tomorrow. Everything I learned first in my family and then in the Church helps me today to put the Lord first in all that I do, to recognize him in all my actions, and I let myself be guided by His spirit.”

“I'm glad to see all the parents tonight who came out to support their children. Youth need the faith of their parents and the faith of their leaders to succeed.”

“Singing tonight allowed me to share with everyone my belief: The Lord will help us in everything we do,” said one of the performers, sixteen-year old Olea. “It means a lot to me to be able to sing in Tahitian, since it is my culture, and even more to share a message of the Gospel.”

A stake is a group of congregations.

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