From a small bedroom in Hawai’i to the studios of Nashville, Tennessee, Josh Tatofi is stepping into a new era of music.
The Tongan-Sāmoan singer, known as the “Luther Vandross of the Pacific”, is famous for his soulful island reggae and R&B sound.
Now he’s trying something new: country music. His single, Looking for Love, is his first track recorded in the world’s country music capital and for Tatofi, it marks “the beginning of a new chapter”.
“It was also the first country song that I released,” he tells Pacific Days from Nashville. “Love songs are just my favourite to sing and write about.”
Fans know Tatofi for songs like Perfect to Me, Pualena, You and Me, and ‘Ouana, all created in his 11-square-metre bedroom.
“‘Ouana, I made that song in my bedroom by myself in a little 10×12 bedroom, in a little city in Hawai’i,” Tatofi says.
Watch Josh Tatofi’s full interview below.
Recording in Nashville is a world away.
“Where right now I’m real, blessed, and fortunate to work with songwriters and musicians that have worked with people like Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, George Strait, and Chris Stapleton.”
But even with the world’s best country musicians behind him, Tatofi hasn’t forgotten his “home team”.
Before taking his new sound on tour to Australia, Hawai’i, Japan, and California, he is returning to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for a one-night-only show at Trusts Arena on 18 April.
“It’s most important for me to perform in front of our people,” he says. “Aotearoa, Australia, Hawai’i, Sāmoa, Tonga, Fiji…it’s important for me to always remain performing at home before I go to the rest of the world.
“It always inspires me every time I get to perform at home, seeing all of our fāmili coming to the shows and from all ages. It means everything to me.”
A memorable moment for Tatofi was one of his sold-out shows at the Manukau Due Drops Events Centre in 2024, when he spotted a horse head in the crowd.
“I was, at first, confused,” he laughs. “Then I looked close and it was a girl dancing with the horse head to ‘Ouana. I think it’s the most hilarious thing I’ve ever seen…I mean it’s just always a vibe in Aotearoa.”
The Auckland show promises a brand-new production, featuring some of the “09 city’s best” musicians supporting Tatofi as he moves into “soul country” music.
While the singer admits he isn’t “looking for love”, Tatofi hopes his song inspires others.
“I already have a love in my life and she’s amazing. But don’t let that stop you from Looking for Love. Go ahead and get yours.”
Josh Tatofi recording at Bold Studio in Nashville. Photo/Facebook
Tatofi also wants to challenge old ideas about success for Pacific youth. Growing up, his parents believed success meant becoming a doctor or lawyer.
His advice for aspiring Pacific musos? Loto to’a.
“Be strong. It is hard to be Polynesian and go after your goals. But I think nowadays, the kids get more support because you can see the success in things that you didn’t see before.”
As his venues get bigger and he travels further, Tatofi remains grounded, keeping God at the centre of his journey.
Josh Tatofi – Looking for Love Tour plays at Trusts Arena, 18 April. Tickets are available here.