Meet The Musos: Get To Know Genre-Defying Samoan Muso Taitu’uga

Strong in his Samoan culture and language, Taitu’uga is a Talking High Chief (Tulafale alii) for his village, Sapunaoa falealili in Samoa, whilst living in Brisbane, Australia.

He creates and weaves cultural stories through his theatre shows, films and mythological storytelling whilst also creating and performing a fresh fusion of electronic dance music, hip hop, reggae, beatbox loop machine and traditional instruments in his international live shows.

Now, the talented performer is set to perform at Brisbane’s BIGSOUND, Australia’s largest music conference and showcase event which returns to the Fortitude Valley from 5-8 September, and will see 141 artists make their marks throughout Brisbane’s music hub.

Ahead of his performance at BIGSOUND 2023, we had a chat with Taitu’uga to find out what you need to know about the rising muso.

What’s been the biggest moment in your career so far?

While my career boasts many highlights, including performing in front of crowds of 40,000 and music award nominations, the pinnacle has been the creation of my new electronic cultural music.

This music truly embodies the spirit of who I am as Taitu’uga, connecting me to my ancestors, language, and culture, all while sharing these vital aspects with the world for the sake of future generations.

What's the most unusual or unexpected source of inspiration you've drawn from when writing a song?

My creative moments often strike at 6 AM.

Can you share a hilarious or cringe-worthy moment from your early days as an artist?

It might be a bit embarrassing, but I've learned from a time when I was too intoxicated to take the stage, resulting in a 3-year ban from the club.

This incident marked a turning point, leading me to abstain from alcohol for the past 7 years.

What are the top three tracks or artists you’re vibing on right now?

Currently, my artistic inspirations include Little Simz, Metro Boomin, and Maoli.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

The live performance of Bob Marley and the Wailers at the Rainbow holds a special place in my heart, showcasing the power in his voice, the rhythmic poetry of revolution, and the transformative impact of music.

What's in the works for you in 2023?

Anticipating my third single of the year, "Falealili Manusamoa," I'm thrilled about its release and accompanying video.

This single encapsulates the might of culture and the warrior spirit of our ancestor, Manusamoa, intertwining ancient chants with electronic melodies. It holds great personal significance, representing my village, my culture, and my identity as an artist and cultural ambassador.