The Tongan-born co-founder of reggae group Three Houses Down, has been given a chiefly title in Samoa.
New Zealand-based Sione Niumotu Pome’e and his sister-in-law, Leilani Fa’alogo-Fangatua, were given the chiefly title of Tupuola last week.
Tupuola Sione is originally from Tonga. He is married to a Samoan.
“I feel very honoured to be given the name Tupuola,” he told the Samoan Observer.
“Although I’m Tongan married to a Samoan with two kids I definitely won’t take the chief title lightly.
Tupuola said he was 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.
“In Tongan Tupuola means a new beginning to success. The day of my title marked a new beginning for me.”
Otara-based Three Houses Down was formed in 2004 by Robert Pome’e, Lisiate Langi, Sione Pome’e, Charlie Pome’e, Loiola Pome’e after Rob left another band that was based three houses up the road from their parents’ home.
The band has released two studio albums, Breakout and Dreadtown and an EP, Moon and Back.
They have toured locally and internationally and played alongside international acts such as UB40, Ali Campbell, Inner Circle, Wailers, Ziggy Marley, Shaggy and Beres Hammond.
They recently played at the Rhythm and Vines festival.
Three Houses Down will be appearing in the One Love festival in Auckland on February 5.
The main points
- The Tongan-born co-founder of reggae group Three Houses Down, has been given a chiefly title in Samoa.
- New Zealand-based Sione Niumotu Pome’e and his sister-in-law, Leilani Fa’alogo-Fangatua, were given the chiefly title of Tupuola last week.
- Otara-based Three Houses Down was formed in 2004
- The band will be appearing in the One Love festival in Auckland on February 5.
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