Tenelle Headlines the City of Carson Samoan Heritage Day Celebration

An all-day celebration in Carson featuring non-stop cultural performance and entertainment for the entire family will take place at the City of Carson’s Samoan Heritage Day Celebration. The event is open to all.

Topping the list of this year’s guests is California’s Tenelle Christine Luafalemana, aka Tenelle, who sings melodic, R&B-infused reggae-pop. Tenelle recently saw her way to the finals, performing on NBCs American Song Contest for her song, Full Circle. A native of Carson, California, Tenelle grew up in a family of Samoan descent and initially focused on playing sports before she became interested in singing. Around age 12 she began taking vocal lessons with Tim Carter (Beyoncé, Willow Smith) and gained early performance experience singing at family gatherings and funerals and in church. Other performers include Reno Ali’ioaiga Liaiga Anoa’i, Jerome Grey, Faiva, Ms. B Royal, Island Block Radio, and Joe “Savage” Fa’avae.

Non-stop entertainment will begin at 9 a.m. featuring big names in Samoan R&B, reggae, pop music, homegrown talents and various cultural performers. Food and display booths are also lined up for the day’s activities. 

About 63,000 of Samoan origin reside in California, meaning almost one-third of the Samoan population in the U.S. lives in California. There are more than 50,000 Samoans in Los Angeles County which is nearly equal to the entire population of American Samoa. The City of Carson is one of the main cities where Samoans settled with their families when they migrated to California.  

The aim of the Samoan Heritage Day Celebration is to teach all community members about their Samoan neighbors by way of dance, food, education, culture, skills, gifts and talents that they possess within their profession and their community. 

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 25

Cost: Free.

Details: 310-847-3570

Venue: Foisia Park, 23410 Catskill Ave., Carson