The stars are here and they are ready to rock.
Tonight at the Funway Park, Matautu, the largest line up of Pacific artists ever assembled in Samoa will act as the curtain raiser for S.I.D.S activities and the Teuila Festival.
The star-studded line up includes award-winning Samoans such as Scribe, Savage as well the popular Aaradhna. Other performers include Pieter T., Sammy Johnson, Vince Harder, Monsta and MZJ.
Speaking during a press conference yesterday, Dawn Raid's Danny Leaosavai'i, better known as Brotha D, said he was delighted to be able to come to Samoa at such a special time.
He said a lot of them have had to travel to Samoa from far away places to be here. Aaradhna for instance had to fly over from Los Angeles.
"But we want to come back to our homeland and not only entertain the people but to help them by raising funds," he said.
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For Julie Ta'ale, coming back home is always a special occasion.
"It's always very emotional for me to come back to the motherland and to be able to help my people through my singing career," she said.
"It's good to be back home."
Hip-hop artists Monsta and Sammy J said the visit is more than just the concert.
"We're not only here to help, we're also here to encourage young people of Samoa who are passionate in singing that if we can make it to where we are now, they can to."
The Ray of Hope is not just another concert though. Behind the rave and excitement is a heartwarming story that sets it apart from the rest. Tonight's concert will be a tribute to the late Raymond Fruean, a prominent figure in the Samoan music and entertainment industry; and a strong advocate for Pacific Island artists and music.
In memoriam of the late DJ and businessman as well as his contributions to his community, friends of 'Ray', as he was known, have banded together to create the Ray of Hope concert.
"Ray has been a big part of Dawn Raid returning every year to Samoa since 2005. We want to raise as much money for this great cause in memory of a good friend", expressed Brotha D.
Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Samoa Victim Support Group.
Digicel Samoa is the main sponsor.
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