Renowned Polynesian musician and songwriter Josh Tatofi captivated the press at Digicel Samoa's headquarters on Friday, sharing insights ahead of his much-anticipated concert in Samoa on Saturday night. 

The South Pacific tour, powered by Pacificast, aims to connect Tatofi's music with fans across the Pacific Islands, enriching their cultural and emotional landscapes.

Tatofi's discussion with the media was profound and enlightening, revealing how his Polynesian heritage has shaped his career and kept him grounded. 

Reflecting on his journey, Tatofi spoke candidly about the cultural concept of "fa'alavelave," a term representing the communal obligations and expectations of being an islander. 

When asked about the challenges in his career, Tatofi's lighthearted response about fa'alavelave elicited laughter from the room. "Being an artist is tough, but as an islander who is a musician it's even tougher," he admitted with a smile. 

"People often assume that having concerts means you're wealthy, which presents a constant challenge."

Despite the hurdles, Tatofi emphasised the importance of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities. 

He conveyed a heartfelt message about honouring the sacrifices made by previous generations. 

"Our ancestors and parents have given us so much, and we must remember that our struggles can become our motivation," he said. "It's crucial to support those who supported us and to keep our roots in mind as we pursue our dreams."

Tatofi's visit to Samoa also included a memorable meeting with Samoa's Head of State Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, and his masiofo. This encounter, Tatofi noted, highlighted the parallels between their work in different fields, underscoring the shared commitment of cultural preservation and serving the communities. 

The conversation then turned to the vital role of music in safeguarding Polynesian culture. 

Tatofi passionately spoke about how music was a living repository of ancestral stories and traditions. 

"Music and dance are powerful tools for keeping our culture vibrant and relevant," he asserted. They offer an engaging way for younger generations to connect with and learn about their heritage.

Regarding his songwriting process, Tatofi shared that he often starts with the melody before crafting the lyrics. 

His latest track, "Le tu'una oe," exemplifies this approach. With the assistance of Helen Tupa'i, the lyrics were translated and poetically adapted to the song, blending English with native languages to create a deeper connection with his audience.

Tatofi also paid tribute to pioneering Pacific artists such as Adeaze and Aradhana, acknowledging their significant contributions to the RnB scene in the Pacific and had influenced his music career. 

Following a successful show in American Samoa, Tatofi is set to make his debut performance in Samoa at the Tuanaimato Gymnasium on Saturday. 

As his South Pacific tour continues, Josh Tatofi remains a beacon of cultural pride and musical excellence, inspiring audiences and bridging generations through the universal language of music.

He reveals that he is currently working on a new song during this tour which will be filmed in Wellington New Zealand, featuring an orchestra and special choir.