Josh Tatofi to Perform Live at Tongan Rugby Match in Auckland

International singing sensation Josh Tatofi is set to perform live at the highly anticipated Pacific Championship rugby league match between Tonga and the Kiwis at Eden Park in Auckland on October 14, 2023. The Grammy-nominated Hawaiian-born Tongan artist will sing the Tongan national anthem, igniting the atmosphere before the clash.

“Oh, I’m excited – I’m super excited to play this weekend. That’s all I keep thinking about,” Tatofi shared in an interview with the Herald. Following the anthem, the 34-year-old will treat fans to a 30-minute concert alongside his band, a move that has attracted both rugby and music enthusiasts to the event.

A Rising Star with Deep Roots

Hailing from Hawaii and with Tongan heritage, Tatofi has cultivated a large fan base across New Zealand and the Pacific region. He fondly recalls his childhood visits to family in the Tongan villages of Vainī and Ma’ufanga. His recent South Pacific tour witnessed sold-out performances not only in the Pacific Islands but also in major cities like Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland.

Fans who were unable to secure tickets for the upcoming match are still eager to catch Tatofi live. His recent performance at the Pacific Music Awards in South Auckland left the audience on their feet, with security struggling to keep fans from rushing the stage.

“I have a lot of family in South Auckland and down in Christchurch. I have visited many times,” Tatofi explained, highlighting his strong connection to New Zealand.

Embracing Cultural Heritage Through Music

Known for his popular songs sung in various Pacific languages, including Hawaiian, Tongan, and Samoan, Tatofi has expressed a desire to incorporate te reo Māori into his future performances. He has long admired New Zealand music, mentioning his appreciation for artists such as R&B duo Adeaze and Wellington band Fat Freddy’s Drop.

Joining Tatofi on stage will be fellow Pacific artist Savage, who will perform during halftime and in between matches, including the Kiwi Ferns against the Australian Jillaroos. Savage is recognized as the first Kiwi hip-hop artist to achieve platinum status in the United States.

Currently, Tatofi is in the process of recording a new album in both San Francisco and Nashville, with plans for its release in early 2024. When asked if Nashville’s country music roots influenced his sound, he acknowledged his childhood memories of planting taro and sweet potatoes with his grandfather, infusing island vibes into his music.

“I’ve been doing a lot of country music – but [with] island vibes, of course,” he said, hinting at a blend of genres that will include reggae, country, and R&B, along with several love songs. “I feel like the South Pacific has deemed me a love song singer,” he joked.

Expressing pride in his heritage, Tatofi acknowledged the unwavering support from the Tongan community. “Seeing my family move from Tonga to Nu’u Sila (New Zealand) to Hawaii gives me motivation,” he stated. “I find motivation in different parts of life: sometimes struggle, sometimes happiness – and that’s what keeps me going daily.”

As the anticipation builds for the match, fans from all backgrounds are eager to witness not only the sporting event but also the vibrant cultural expressions that accompany it, with Josh Tatofi at the center of this celebration.