‘A man so full of love’: Fepulea’i awarded comedy Topp Prize

Beloved Sāmoan comedian and entertainer Tofiga Fepulea’i has been named the recipient of the New Zealand Comedy Trust’s prestigious Topp Prize, recognising more than 20 years of contribution to the country’s comedy scene.

Affectionately known as the Humble King of Comedy, Fepulea’i has brought his character-driven humour to audiences across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

He has also drawn inspiration from his Sāmoan upbringing, despite being born in Wellington, and his life as a Pacific person in Aotearoa, including his experiences as a father of three teenage boys.

His iconic characters include fan-favourite “Aunty Tala” and are a staple of his stand-up performances.

“It’s a real honour,” Fepulea’i says in a statement. “I am just as happy to be the recipient in terms of all the other people that I carry with me, in terms of family and those who have supported me.”

The Topp Prize, a non-competitive award, is named after entertainment legends, The Topp Twins. It recognises unique voices that push creative boundaries and inspire others within the industry.

Fepulea’i receives a $15,000 cash grant to support his ongoing creative work. Previous recipients include Sāmoan comedy legend James Nokise, who was last year’s recipient, Chris Parker, and Jo Randerson.

Fepulea’i describes the honour as something that extends beyond the individual. It’s about family and community achievement.

“Always grateful to be able to represent my family and especially good old Kiwis as a Sāmoan made in New Zealand,” he says. “It’s lovely, I really appreciate it. And to be honoured by the Topps, I’m really humbled. Thank you very much.”

Tofiga Fepulea'i. Photo/Supplied

Fepulea’i’s Topp Prize honour comes just one month after receiving the Rielly Comedy Award at the 2025 Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Benny Awards.

His rise to stardom started as half of the iconic The Laughing Sāmoans, and has gone on to be one of the most recognisable Sāmoan comedy talents today.

Earlier this year, Fepulea’i performed his Shuuush Your Mouf tour to sold-out audiences across the country, headlined the NZ International Comedy Festival’s Last Laughs show, as seen on NZ Comedy Fest’s YouTube channel.

His credits in screenography include Fresh TV, Crack Me Off (2008), Funny Chokers (2012), Take Home Pay (2019), Taskmaster NZ (2024), and, more recently, voices the storm god Nalo in Disney’s Moana 2.

Fepulea’i currently hosts 531pi’s Island Time show alongside Niuean author and creative Inangaro Vakaafi and is a very active member in his church and community, and loves watching his sons play rugby.

Each year, the Topp Twins name the annual recipient, from the advice of a hand-picked selection panel. It is not possible to apply for the award and the prize can only be awarded once to each recipient.

This year the panel was again led by comedy industry legend Paul Horan, the NZ International Comedy Festival co-founder, with Nokise, Jon Bridges (Executive Producer, Paddy Gower Has Issues, 7 Days, The Project, member of Facial DBX), Salesi Le’ota, the Head of Department Acting at Toi Whakaari, Amie Mills (Head of Funding with NZ On Air, Janaye Henry, a 2023 Billy T nominee, writer, and actor), and Gemma Gracewood, NZ Comedy Trust interim Executive Director, producer, and performer.

In a statement, Joel Wood, Programming and Production Manager at the NZ Comedy Trust, praised Fepulea’i for his generosity towards emerging talent. Wood says the panel noted that by hand-picking emerging comedians, musicians, and poets as his supporting acts, Fepulea’i makes space for them in the ever-growing comedy industry.

“Tofiga is a legend amongst audiences, fellow comedians, and the Pacific community,” Wood says. “Though he performs solo shows just a handful of times a year, it is always to massive crowds, and the love and joy filling the room make the atmosphere at a Tofiga show electric.

“It’s a blessing for our whole community to be able to share this comedy space with a man who is so full of love, integrity and passion for making people laugh.”

Fepulea’i will spend the first part of 2026 in Australia, travelling to Melbourne with the Signature Choir in January before kicking off his Shuuush Your Mouf Australian tour in Brisbane in February.