Coco Talanoa — Humans of the Islands / Page 1
HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - JAYE TUIAKI
JAYE TUIAKI
SAMOAN
MUSICIAN
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Can you introduce yourself - where you’re from, your cultural background, and a bit about how you were raised?
My name is Jaye Tuiaki. I’m a 22-year-old up-and-coming artist, born and raised in South Auckland, currently based in Papakura. I’m of Tongan and Cook Islands descent and the youngest of six. I was raised in the LDS church, and growing up in a musical family meant I was constantly surrounded by singing and faith. Church was a big part of our lives, and some of my earliest memories are singing together with my family.
What was life like growing up in South Auckland, and how did that environment shape you as a person and as an artist?
Growing up in South Auckland meant I was constantly surrounded by talent - not just in music, but across all forms of creativity. Being raised around other Polynesians who were expressing themselves through their art inspired me to find my own voice, which naturally became music, given my background.…more
HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - CAYZA
CAYZA
SAMOAN
RAPPER
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Introduce yourself -your ethnicity and where you grew up.
Talofa lava, my name is Caleb Fatialofa-Sapati, also known as CAYZA. I’m a proud full Samoan, born in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. My family hails from the villages of Lepa and Lalomanu in Upolu, and Fogapoa and Siufaga in Savai’i. I was raised in Maraenui, a suburb of Napier in Hawke’s Bay.
What was your journey into music like?
It’s been both a blessing and a humbling experience. The journey of building a full-time music career hasn’t been easy, but staying grounded in faith is what helped me through. There have been a lot of wins, but just as many lessons -each one teaching me something new and keeping me focused. That’s what makes me appreciate the journey even more.
How has your upbringing - both in a Samoan family and in Maraenui—shaped you as an artist and musician?
Growing up in a loving Samoan family - especially one blessed with the gift of music - shaped me deeply.…more
HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - A.R.T
A.R.T
SAMOAN, TOKELAUAN & TONGAN
SINGERS
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Introduce yourselves and where you grew up?
We are A.R.T, (A)nastasia, (R)osetta & (T)-R3X. We grew up in Porirua, Wellington, and come from the beautiful island nations of Samoa, Tokelau & Tonga. We’ve been together since we were 11 & 12 years old and have stuck together ever since.
How was A.R.T Created?
What inspires you to make music?
HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - ANDREW JOHN FAKAUA PONTON
ANDREW JOHN FAKAUA PONTON
TUVALU
FILMMAKER
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Andrew John Fakaua Ponton, a filmmaker of Tuvaluan and Scottish heritage, was born in Tuvalu and raised in Suva, Fiji — a backdrop that would later shape his cinematic voice. His journey into filmmaking kicked off at just 13, armed with a Hi-8 video camera and an unshakable drive to tell stories, no matter the constraints. Over time, he carved out a style distinctly his own — one that draws deeply from the rhythms, textures, and realities of the Pacific.
His upcoming film Bati embodies that ethos: a grounded, character-driven story shaped by inventive filmmaking and a lifelong passion for boxing, both as a sport and a cinematic form. Shot on location in Suva and the rural province of Namosi, the film navigates the dynamic tension between city and village life, all while spotlighting the raw creative energy fueling grassroots Pacific cinema. He shares his story and work with us here!
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Please introduce yourself, your ethnicity and where you grew up?
My name is Andrew.…more
HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - BRANDN SHIRAZ
Brandn Shiraz
Recording Artist
Kuki Airani
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Emerging recording artist Brandn Shiraz has released his new single, "Youngin from Kuki II" Hailing from the Cook Islands, Brandn blends hip-hop, jazz, and R&B into a sound that’s all his own. With smooth flows and soulful beats, "Youngin from Kuki II" is a bold new vibe that’s turning heads. He shares his story with us here!
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Kia orana Brandn Shiraz, tell us a little bit about yourself
Kia orana, my name is Brandn. I was born at Middlemore Hospital, Ōtāhuhu, and I grew up in Central Auckland. My old man’s from Atiu, Aitutaki, and Rarotonga, and my mum’s from North London.
What was it like spending your earlier years in the Cook Islands?
I lived over there when I was real young, and even after we moved back to NZ, my brother and me used to go back often to visit our father throughout the years.…more
Lelei LeLaulu: The Quiet Force for Peace, Progress, and the Pacific
By Lagomauitumua Elizabeth Ah-Hi
In the hush of Oslo’s corridors, far from the lava fields of Savai’i, Samoa, a name surfaced on the world’s most prestigious shortlist: Lelei Tuisamoa Lelaulu, a development entrepreneur focused on peace-building, climate change, oceans, sustainable tourism, and indigenous rights, nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
To many, it came as a quiet surprise. But for those familiar with his trail of work — from the Caribbean to the Pacific, from the United Nations to Indigenous community councils — the honour felt like a long-overdue recognition. It validated not only the work of one man but the quiet wisdom of an entire ocean.
In a world that often confuses visibility with influence, Lelei is a rare exception. A proud son of Samoa whose impact has rippled across continents and causes, he has shaped global conversations on peace, climate resilience, Indigenous empowerment, and ethical tourism—not with fanfare, but with thoughtful precision, cultural depth, and purpose.…more
WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - KALI TUI
Kali Tuli
Fijian
Singer / Songwriter
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Tell us a little bit about yourself
Bula, my name is Abigail Tuiqilaqila also known as Kali Tui. Fiji has 300+ island and I am from the the village of Tubou on the Island of Lakeba with maternal links to Nukuloa, Gau, Fiji. Born and raised in Suva and I am proud to be an artist/singer in Fiji's music industry.
What was it like growing up in fiji?
Growing up in Fiji is a unique experience. We have under a million in our country's population and I'm blessed to be one of the few who gets to call Fiji home. Being home is always fun and relaxing as we live on "Fiji Time". It was also very humbling to live here as we have many different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures in this country.
Did you always want to be a singer/songwriter?
Ever since I was little, I've always loved singing for sure.…more
WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - SELA FALETOLU-FASI
Sela Faletolu-Fasi is a passionate artist, storyteller, and advocate from Christchurch, New Zealand, with roots in Samoa and Tonga.
Her work, particularly "Love; Mum" draws deeply from her personal struggles and triumphs, offering a heartfelt exploration of motherhood, love, forgiveness, and the healing power of sisterhood.
After a sold-out developmental season in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Love; Mum is currently showing this week at Auckland's The Basement Theatre! We caught up with Writer and Actor Sela Faletolu-Fasi about her work and current show!
Malo Lava Sela - could you please introduce yourself and where you're from?
Talofa lava, my name is Sela Faletolu-Fasi. I am the daughter of the late Reverend Lapana Faletolu (Fasito'outa, Samoa), and Salote Lasei (Fasi Moe Afi, Tonga). I am married to Silivelio Fasi and mum to six beautiful children, Favor (22), Victory (20), Princeton (18), Mercedes (14), Auteletoa (10) and Lapana (7) and we live in Christchurch.
Tell us about Love: Mum - what was the inspiration behind it?
Love; Mum was inspired by a goodbye letter I wrote to my six children in 2023.…more
WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - ADYHANA URIKA FILIFILIA
Adyhana Urika Filifilia
Samoan
Singer / Songwriter / Actor
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Emerging Samoan vocalist and theatre performer Adyhana Urika Filifilia has decided to take the plunge and release her debut single, 'Anchor'!
From her roots in the performing arts to her journey of finding her voice as a solo musician, she reflects on the personal and cultural influences that shape her sound.
Drawing strength and inspiration from her Samoan heritage. ‘Anchor’ is an insight into her thoughts and feelings as a young Pasefika woman growing up in New Zealand, juggling the complexities of traditions and expectations in parallel with the desire to carve a unique path in this modern world, whilst still remaining grounded in who you are.
A good friend of The Coconet TV, she sits down with us talk about her new single and the exciting new journey ahead.
Tell us about your new song! What was the inspiration behind your debut single 'Anchor'?
"Anchor" is a piece I wrote during my final year of high school, with one of my close friends accompanying me on guitar.…more
