JP Foliaki’s ‘Golden Hour’: An exclusive comeback with love

JP Foliaki is back, bringing something special for fans who have been wondering where he’s been.

In an exclusive interview on Niu FM’s The Morning Shack, the Tongan triple threat unveiled his brand new track, Golden Hour.

The song marks a softer, more sincere, and vulnerable chapter in his creative journey, officially releasing nationwide on 1 August.

“I’ve just been with family,” Foliaki says. “Life has been lifing, but that doesn't mean the work stops.”

The work refers to Golden Hour, which he describes as an “open love letter” set against a nostalgic R&B backdrop - a genre he has long admired.

“I really wanted to create an R&B track…and write something from the heart,” Foliaki says, adding that the song is for anyone in their “lover bag”.

“The reason I call it Golden Hour,” he explains, “is it’s just that feeling when you’re in the golden hour. I feel like my highest version of myself.

Foliaki says the song is an honest expression of his deepest feelings, hoping that the other person can reciprocate the love he offers.

“I want to be honest about my feelings…you better catch this alley-oop, or get the hell out, because I'm falling, and I'm falling fast.”

Hailing from South Auckland, Foliaki is known for his work in music, acting, and theatre. He gained major recognition for his role as ‘Maka’ in the film and stage production, Red, White, and Brass.

In 2024, he won Celebrity Treasure Island and donated his $100,000 prize to a Pacific clean water initiative through the charity, ChildFund.

Foliaki has long been a proud advocate for his Tongan heritage, language, and representation, ensuring that aspects of his culture are showcased through his creative outlets.

A vision of love

The music video for Golden Hour is an ode to “brown love”, showcasing the intricacies and layers of romance, from the honeymoon bubble to everyday life.

“I just wanted to showcase what brown love can look like in so many different ways… whether they're just chilling at home, or they're out in the plantation, or they dress like they’re going for lotto,” Foliaki says.

“Just to show a bit of culture in there as well.”

Taleta Maree Dearden, an actor, media presenter, and model, plays Foliaki’s love interest in the video, which was filmed at Four Shells Kava Lounge and Taro Patch Creative.

The video also marks Foliaki’s most hands-on project to date, involving multiple Pacific creatives to bring his vision to life.

Young talents like Manihera Te Hei and Elena Folau operated cameras, while the styling was done by Isla Potini and Norman Liaina, both dance and fashion extraordinaires, along with long-time supporters like Franc Marie, owned by Frankie Lolohea.

“I just love having my own vision in it, and being in the driver’s seat,” Foliaki says.

“Nothing’s going to happen unless you’re driving it…and because I wrote this song with that particular visual in mind, it was important to me that I carry that through.”

Going or staying?

Golden Hour is just the beginning of what Foliaki hopes will be a strong return to music. He is currently working on a new EP, scheduled for release in November, which will signal a return to his R&B roots with five or six tracks.

“There’s not enough artists today - especially in the Pasifika community - making R&B, and it comes naturally to us,” Foliaki says.

“It's good to be back and be a little more intentional and consistent with it.”

While he is all about love and music, Foliaki hasn’t lost his sense of humour. His track releases on the same day as fellow Pacific star Jason Momoa’s Apple TV+ series Chief of War.

Foliaki playfully challenged him in a social media post.

“I was like, Jason Momoa, I’ve got a bone to pick with you… August 1st, Chief of War comes out, but do you know what else comes out? Golden Hour. Mine is only two, three minutes long though.

"You can watch it on the ad break, in between the eps.”

Golden Hour will be available on most music streaming platforms starting 1 August. Pre-save the song here.