A fiery spectacle launches in Logan

Experience Samoan culture through Australia’s first ever fire knife competition – a red-hot and exhilarating show steeped in tradition and history.

The competition – TOA OLE AFI-PATI LEVASA – will turn up the heat from Friday 27 September to Saturday 28 September at the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct.

A homage to the traditional dance of warriors, the show will set knives – and souls – on fire with a mesmerising display of world-class talent, music and storytelling.

Witness contenders from around the world spin blazing knives while dancing and performing acrobatics.

The twirling of knives, originally made from a machete wrapped in towels on both ends, is an honoured Samoan practice that has been preserved and refined through generations.

Event spokesperson Su’a Salote Isaako says the team is thrilled to showcase Samoan entertainment in Logan.

‘Fire knife dancing mimics the way our ancestors used to fight wars back in the day,’ she says.

‘Machetes used to be massive back then but nowadays are made much smaller to make it suitable and less dangerous to keep around.

‘These knives carry their own stories in regard to Samoa’s fight for freedom and independence, making this an interesting event for people to see.’

The spirit of Samoa will come to life as the hunt for Australia’s fire knife champion takes place during the show, with competitors hailing from countries such as Japan, the USA and the South Pacific.

Multicultural groups including Fenuisina, Tama La’ei Performance, Lilo o Samoa Academy, Paiti Entertainment Orana Dance Group and MR MR will also be performing.

The event runs from 5 pm on both nights, with heats on Friday and the finals and award presentation on Saturday.

Get your tickets for Toa Ole Afi-Pati Levasa Fire Knife Competition.