Tupuola title honour for top musician

By Deidre Fanene 05 January 2017, 12:00AM

A founding member of the popular reggae group, Three Houses Down, is a new chief of Siumu.

New Zealand-based Sione Niumotu Pome’e was bestowed the chiefly title of Tupuola along with his sister-in-law, Leilani Fa’alogo-Fangatua, last week.

A Design Engineer and the Owner of Pomee Constructions Ltd in New Zealand, Tupuola Sione is originally from Tonga. He is married to a Samoan.

“I feel very honoured to be given the name Tupuola,” he said.

 “Although I'm Tongan married to a Samoan with two kids I definitely won't take the chief title lightly. 

 “As I sat in the ceremony all I could feel was the presence of my father in-law, Fa’alogo Masei, who has passed but has his title in Siumu. 

“To me it was definitely an experience to witness the beautiful Samoan culture which in the future I wish for my kids to practice for they are the future of our peoples. 

“Therefore this gives them something to look forward to and help keep their culture as written by me in one of our biggest songs (Three Houses Down - Keep Your Culture).”

Tupuola added he is ready to serve his family both in Samoa and Tonga.

 “I am looking forward now to serve to the fullest and carry the name Tupuola proudly,” he said. “As mentioned by me before my ava, Tupuola in Tongan means, a new beginning to success. The day of my title marked a new beginning for me as I now serve my people of Samoa.”

Tupuola Sione helped formed Three Houses Down in 2004 wit his brothers Robert Pome’e, Lisiate Langi, Charlie Pome’e and Loiola Pome’e. 

The band was formed after Robert left another band that was based – three houses up the road from their parents home. 

The band PA and equipment was purchased by Rob’s dad, Talanoa, after some encouragement from the boy’s grandfather Tevita Aho Pome’e, who sadly passed away recently.

The band is built on a strong choral tradition. 

Rob, his father and his late grandfather have all been choirmasters. The band are based in Otara and have built up a large and loyal live following by playing gigs week in, week out. They are known for tight musicianship, a good work ethic and putting on a great show.

Three Houses Down specialise in reggae.

By Deidre Fanene 05 January 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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