Saia is recognised for his work as a hip-hop beatmaker, and for his more recent dedication to revitalising the fangufangu

On Friday, our Year 9 and 10 Pasifika students were treated to an inspiring session during form and assembly time. We were privileged to welcome Saia Tu'itahi, a talented musician, artist, and entrepreneur, to share his story with our students.

Born in Tonga and raised locally on the North Shore—having attended Westlake Boys High School—Saia’s journey hit close to home for many of our boys. He spoke candidly about his creative path, growing up on the Shore, and how his cultural grounding serves as a foundation for his success.

While many know him for his hip-hop beats (under the moniker SFT), Saia has dedicated himself to the fangufangu—the traditional Tongan nose flute. 

Despite growing up with fangufangu in his home, it wasn't until a visit to Tonga in 2019 that he sparked an interest in the instrument, which was originally used in the 17th century to awaken Tongan chiefs and royalty. Then, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Saia saw an opportunity to experiment. He began merging his background in contemporary beat-making with the soulful sounds of the fangufangu. He serves as a powerful example of how you can be a modern creator while carrying the mana of your ancestors into everything you do.

We hope his journey resonates with our students as they begin to navigate their own paths, balancing their heritage with their future ambitions.