From his bedroom to global playlists, Tongan Trixx finds his voice

Tongan singer-songwriter Patrick Jesse Taukolo, better known as Trixx, is already making a name for himself in the industry by introducing listeners both locally and internationally to the sounds, spirit, and storytelling of Tonga.

Born and raised in the Kingdom, the 20-year-old emerging artist from Umusii is quietly building momentum on the back of his latest single, Swing By. But he says the real joy has been hearing how listeners connect with it.

Speaking on PMN Tonga, he laughed that while he is already tired of listening to Swing By himself, the reactions from fans have made the journey worthwhile.

“I’ve been kind of tired of listening to it,” he jokes. “It’s just great to hear people’s reactions.”

Since the release of Swing By, Trixx has kept his creative engine running. He is writing, planning, and crafting new projects, including a special collaboration with Molotry, a United States-based Tongan music producer.

Trixx affectionately calls Molotry his “big bro” and the two have a joint track on the way called Back to the Islands - a partnership Trixx describes as a “blessing”.

Watch Trixx's full interview below.

Raised by Pentecostal pastors, music was a constant presence in his life, from church instruments to the harmonies that filled his home. Though he originally wanted to learn the keys, everything changed the day his father handed him a microphone.

What began as helping out at church unlocked a voice and passion he didn’t know he had. Those early harmonies now sit at the heart of his sound.

Trixx has shaped his music to capture the warmth, excitement, and rhythm of daily island life by fusing catchy melodies with contagious island flavour that has listeners eager to hear more.

While Swing By had a soft launch in October, Trixx has only just recently added his music to streaming platforms, having already gained over a thousand Spotify listeners - most of whom are from Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney.

Despite the growing recognition, the young artist isn’t rushing into travel or gigs just yet. He prefers to remain in Tonga and work on his craft from the solitude of his room.

“I don't go anywhere,” he says. “I'm just stuck in my room, like every day. I'm just here on the iPad creating and creating.”

He takes inspiration from his biggest musical influence, his father, as well as legends such as Michael Jackson and Fiji. Trixx also credits his Tongan musical mentors Molotry and Malkeezy for guiding his journey.

Trixx says his songwriting blends his island upbringing with modern influences, often starting with imagined scenarios before shifting into deeper reflections of life in Tonga - the realities of dreaming big from a small place.

“For my music, it's just made up in my head. I just come up with scenarios and start writing to that and whatever comes with the beat, that's what I'm going with,” Trixx says.

Swing By visualiser. Photo/Trixx/Facebook

“Sometimes it's love-type songs. [But] I'm trying to get off the love type songs and get deeper. Talking about life and what it's like growing up here in the islands. Trying to chase a dream that you have no idea how to get to.

“I’m trying to get into that type of writing, I’m still progressing.”

Alongside his contemporary sound, he still carries his church roots. Gospel-inspired tracks also sit in his drafts as he explores the full range of his voice and storytelling.

Looking ahead, the young artist hopes to represent his village, his family, and Tonga on a global stage. “Yeah, that’s the plan…I want to grow and connect worldwide.”