Tama Sāmoa Omaia' - Tofi o Tamatane ft Wayno, Nate Lopa & Earthtones.

Tofi o Tamatane was established in 2020 by John Kapeli who envisioned creating a
safe space for young Samoan men (tama tane) to learn and embrace their culture
through pese (song) and siva (dance) with emphasis on the importance of and
preserving Gagana Samoa (Samoan language).

By sharing these cultural treasures through every action and every word, Tofi o Tamatane hopes to contribute to the protection of Samoan culture in New Zealand.

Uō i aso uma, uso i aso vale | Friends through good times, brothers through rough times.

Initially formed as a way for Old Boys of St Patrick’s College (Kilbirnie) to reconnect with their culture through performance, Tofi o Tamatane welcomes an increasing
number of young Samoan men from all over New Zealand who were taken with an all-male dance group.

It has evolved into a platform for these tama tane to express themselves freely amongst fellow brothers. They recognise the importance of supporting one another to thrive - culturally, spiritually and mentally; and knowing that during times of trial and tribulation, it will be a journey of perseverance that they take together.

Tama Samoa Omaia
Tama Samoa Omaia is written from the perspective of a young Samoan man, with his daily roles and expectations, the responsibilities he has within the family, and the pressures that come with it; seen and unseen.

Tama Samoa Omaia focuses on promoting mental health and well-being specifically among our Samoan and Pasefika brothers, encouraging them to share and talanoa to make light of the journey – “fofola ane lou fala, talatala ou mafaufauga, e malamalama ai ala uma
mo le savaliga”.

Tama Samoa Omaia is an original Tofi o Tamatane song composed by John Kapeli and Eteuati Reupena, and performed by Wayno, Nate Lopa, and Earthtones.