Pouesi Music

Paul Pouesi's career as a church organist began at the age of nine under the tutelage of his father, Elder Rev. Dr. Ioselani Pouesi, a prolific composer of music. At age 17, Paul composed his first anthem, "Tula’i ia ina Malamalama" (Isaiah 60:1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come"). The anthem was first performed by the choir of the United Samoan Church in Carson, CA. This work, which features three captivating movements, represents a significant milestone in Paul's creative journey. 

Paul went on to study music, receiving a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from Redlands University and both a Masters of Music and Doctorate in Music Arts with specialization in Church and Choral Music from the University of Southern California. Paul also received a USC Fulbright Scholarship to pursue an Ethnomusicology PhD from the University of New England in Australia. 

His first hymn book, "O le Pese Fou i le Alii" ("A New Song to the Lord," CCCAS, 2005), contains 445 original hymns and anthems. Paul is the composer and editor for hymn books for the Congregational Church of Jesus in Samoa (CCJS), the Congregational Christian Church in the American Samoa (CCCAS), and the Susana Uesile Methodist Church (American Samoa). Paul is currently composing music for the First Christian Church Choir in Riverside, California and aims to complete this new songbook in 2025. The songs' lyrics are based on the sermons of Pastor Kristen.