Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — It was a night to remember for those who attended the Mr. Cowboy concert at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium last Friday.

The show’s two MCs, Iosefa Enari aka Young Sef, a popular radio personality and rapper from Apia and Princess Auvaa from Malaeloa, renowned for her grace and humor during the many events where she has appeared, set the mood of the evening and put everyone at ease with their witty dialogue.

 “Talofa lava and welcome to the Mr. Cowboy show,” Young Sef greeted the audience who had turned up to the Open Bar and Dinner event.

Princess Auva’a and Young Sef, the two MCs of the Mr. Cowboy concert last Friday night at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium. [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau]

Many men and women wore cowboy hats, while some sported whole cowboy outfits complete with jeans, shirts and cowboy boots.

 “We have a great line-up of musical performances from Victor Elisara and the beautiful up-and-coming singer Taumate before tonight’s main attraction Mr. Cowboy takes the stage. So get ready and drink up because the drunker you get, the better we will sound! Are you ready?”

 “You know Young Sef,” Princess Auva’a cut in. “I’ve been having designs on you ever since I first saw you. But hearing your accent has really put me off!”

Everyone laughed including Young Sef.

 “How are y’all tonight?” she drawled rolling her r’s. “Are y’all ready for some fun?”

Everyone roared back with laughter.

Not to be outdone, Young Sef shot back, “When I first saw Princess, I suddenly felt really hungry. I mean, look at her. She looks like a beautiful ripe avocado!”

It was evident that the two MCs had the gift of the gab.

Soon they had the crowd firmly in their hands and as the free drinks flowed, they skillfully involved the audience in impromptu competitions that ranged from answering questions, finding out who could hit the highest note, who performed the sexiest walk on the catwalk to dancing.

Local business owners Sepp and Terry Steffany in their cowboy gear enjoying the country music of Mr. Cowboy Sam Ah Chookoon at his concert last Friday night at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium. [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau]

The winners were rewarded with prizes donated by Bud Light and Bluesky, two of the many sponsors that assisted in the staging of the event.

By the time Victor got the show on the road, the crowd was in a sing-along mood and joined in as he performed.

With a voice that sounded like a mix of Fiji and Pink Sweats, the audience swayed to his reggae numbers, hummed along to the slow songs as Victor crooned on stage and sang along to his Samoan songs — many of which are played on local radio stations, while some got up and danced near the stage.

Victor Elisara and up-and-coming singer Taumate performing at the Mr. Cowboy concert last Friday night at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium. [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau]

But it was when Victor who had been joined by the young up-and-coming singer Taumate, sang their popular duet “Tasi Ae Afe” which is the Samoan version of Pink Sweats’ hit “At Your Worst” that the crowd really enjoyed.

Then it was time for the evening’s main attraction, Mr. Cowboy himself.

Mr. Cowboy Sam Ah Chookoon and the Western Samoans wooing the crowd at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium last Friday night.  [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau]

Coming on stage to the sound of Elvis Presley’s signature entry tune See See Rider, Mr. Cowboy dressed in jeans, a T-shirt, which had “Island Country” printed on it, a jacket and a black Stetson, did not disappoint.

Looking like a much younger and Polynesian-looking Alan Jackson with a beard on the lower part of his jaw, the crowd were pleasantly surprised to hear such a deep voice when he started singing.

The 28 year-old Samoan country star started his playlist with the Judds classic “Grandpa, Tell me ‘bout the good old Days,” then launched a medley of country classics which included John Denver’s “Country Roads,” Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” Jambalaya and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart.”

He also had the crowd on their feet with another medley that started with a rock classic by Australian group AC/DC “Shook Me All Night Long,” with a guitar solo by lead guitarist Josh Mase that would have gotten the thumbs up from AC/DC lead guitarist Angus Young.

Enthusiastic fans sing along with Mr. Cowboy, Sam Ah Chookoon at his concert at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium last Friday night.  [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau

This was followed by Dire Straits’ “Walk of Life,” Daniel Boone’s “Beautiful Sunday,” and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising.”

He also sang his popular Samoan hit “E le o A’u o se Fufulu Ulo,” and old school Samoan songs by Tiama’a and “O Ou Mafaufauga” by Penina o Tiafau, which he dedicated to his late father who he announced had been the biggest influence in his musical journey.

He told the audience he owed his success to his father because he believed in him and recognized his potential.

Senator Olo Uluao Letuli and his wife Heavenly were part of the audience at the Mr. Cowboy concert last Friday night at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium.  [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau]

He recalled that he had entered a singing contest in Samoa called Star Search and there were a lot of negative comments by some people about his deep voice but his dad would always tell him to stay focused, and he would always come to cheer him at the TV station where the competition was broadcast ‘live.’

After the concert many of the audience sought a chance to get a photo and autograph from the young singer.

Blue Chen-Fruean, proprietor of the Bowling Alley Sports Bar, who coordinated the concert, acknowledged with thanks the support of Bluesky Communications, SoPac (Bud Light), Island Business Center (IBC) and SOFIAS.

“He was amazing,” said one middle-aged lady. “His voice is amazing. And he’s got that country twang and the way he moves on stage, he’s got it all. I really enjoyed listening to all those old songs tonight.”

In an exclusive interview with the singer, he expressed his gratitude to the many local companies that sponsored his show, including Emelio and Blue Fruean and all the folks at the Bowling Alley Sports Bar, who coordinated the event.

 “Most of all, many thanks to the people of American Samoa for turning up and supporting me,” he acknowledged. “It was an honor to perform for you and the audience really brought out the best in me because I could feel the energy and positive vibes.”

Mr. Cowboy and his partner Amelia returned to Samoa on Monday.