FORMER PUNIALAVA'A BASS GUITARIST PASSED AWAY
Caption: (L - R) Vitale Petelo, Falevi Petana, Vini Sofara, Iosefa Lale Peteru.
Photo: Punialava’a
Rev.Falevi Petana , former member and guitar bass player for one of Samoa's finest Punialava'a Band will be laid to rest this month following a heart attack. He was expected to celebrate his 60th
birthday this year.
The prestigious musician's passing was announced on an emotional tribute social media post by the current members of the Punialavaa Band just 4 days after New Years Day (January 4th).
"We will forever remember you and your God given gifts , here at our Punialava'a Family. Rest In Peace Rev.Falevi Petana" the band wrote on Facebook with a BnW Photograph of Falevi and other band members.
Following the announcement of Falevi's passing, numerous artists and loved ones from across the music community shared their condolences in the comments section of Punialavaa's post. Fans and loved ones posted emojis and condolences to his family.
Falevi was born on the 14 of October and joined the band in 1981 and left in 1994, according to the band's post Falevi and Vini joined the band together.
"This was the year Punialava'a was disbanded. While Lale and Vini & Vellani were preparing to climb Malua in 1982. Lila went to form her band of Papa Soifua, Papu went to Hawai'i, Vitale and Levingi went to
New Zealand... Lale and Vini were the only ones in Tutuila to record songs for Jr Scanlan, and Falevi & Viellani in 1981 & 1982" says the social media post.
In an exclusive interview with his grieving wife Pelenatete Amosa
Petana , she shared the beautiful memories they shared together since
their marriage back in 2001. " He was God sent , we miss him dearly"
she told this Radio Station.
Late Rev.Falevi Petana and Pelenatete Amosa Petana served in the EFKS
Ministry of Maota I Tafua in Savaii for six years and during their
break they visited Upolu. "He departed peacefully and was a man of
honour and dignity" stated Pelenatete.
During his time in the Punialava'a Band he played with several great
names in the industry such as Tanuvasa Faamanatu , Jerome Grey and
Dave Parker. Plans for his burial is being planned out by the Ministry
and members of their church in the coming weeks.