Rielly Comedy Award recognises Tofiga Fepulea'i for his iconic brand of island humour

With a career spanning more than two decades, a slew of iconic performances, and a deep connection to his Sāmoan heritage, Tofiga Fepulea’i says his life’s purpose is to make people laugh.

His belief is validated by his continued success, as he consistently sells out shows and recently received the Rielly Comedy Award at the 2025 Variety Artists Club of New Zealand (VAC) Benny Awards.

The award honours Fepulea’i for his outstanding contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand comedy.

For the host of 531pi Island Time, the award represents not just recognition of his talent but also a reflection of a career built on purpose, humility, and connection to community.

“It’s an honour to be able to just bring the laughter, help people see it and view it,” Fepulea’i tells PMN News. “Even though I do stand-up comedy, I don't stand alone.

“It was accepting it on behalf of everyone, my family, my parents, my village, and all of those people that have been supporting me through the years. Because without the fans, there's no way I would be able to continue what I do.”

Tofiga Fepulea’i has been recognised as Aotearoa New Zealand’s top comedian. Pictured at the 2025 Benny Awards with "Trumpetguy" John McGough (right) and an awards official. Photo/Supplied

Fepulea’i was born in New Zealand as an only child, and carries two matai titles - Tau’ili’ili from Papa Sataua and Faletanoa’i from Falealupo - both from his mother's villages in Savai’i.

Growing up in a tight-knit Sāmoan, churchgoing family, he developed his comedic talent during White Sundays and Christmas plays, finding humor in his surroundings.

Fepulea’i says comedy is more than a job. “Once I realised what my purpose in life was - to make people laugh - it always comes as part of a ministry.”

Listen to Tofiga Fepulea'i's full interview below.

His journey into comedy began earnestly in 2003 with his first public show, where the audience’s laughter confirmed his calling.

“When I first heard that crack of laughter after the first joke, for me, it felt like time had frozen. It was there that I realised, you know, this was my purpose.”

Known for his quick wit, infectious laugh, and iconic characters like “Aunty Tala”, Fepulea’i has become a staple in the country’s entertainment scene through his legendary comedy duo, The Laughing Sāmoans, and his work in television and film.

His credits in screenography include Fresh TV, Chocka-Block (2010), Crack Me Off (2008), Funny Chokers (2012), Fink about It (2015), Take Home Pay (2019), Taskmaster NZ (2024), and he voices the storm god Nalo during the mid-credits scene in Moana 2.

Fepulea’i’s material is grounded in authenticity and observation, reflecting his life’s experiences.

“The material is always going to be based around me as a Sāmoan, and the way that I view things as a Sāmoan. It’s storytelling and as long as I have family I’ll never run out of material.”

Despite decades in comedy, Fepulea’i still retains his initial passion and excitement. He still feels the same rush of feelings today as he did from the first time he stood on stage.

“Yeah, I always do. It’s because I really love it,” he says. “It's really just hearing the sound of laughter.

“Some people say the stuff that I do is therapeutic for them, but I don't think people realise how therapeutic it is for me to be able to get out there, to make people laugh.

“Hopefully I can continue doing it for a long time because I feel it's my little contribution to trying to make this world a better place.”

Considered a pioneer of Pacific comedy, Fepulea’i has inspired a new generation of performers, including rising stars like Uce Gang.

He encourages emerging talent by saying, “No matter what you do in life, you’ve got to really surround yourself with good people…don’t be fearful of making mistakes.”

Fepulea’i remains active on stage and screen, with upcoming appearances on Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee, corporate gigs, and Christmas shows. He will kick off the new year in Melbourne in January with the Signature Choir’s Mana Moana Experience before starting his 2025 Australian tour, Tofiga Fepulea’i: Shuuush Your Mouf, in February.

“Thank you to everyone who has bought a ticket to come to the show. Everyone who supported what I do, bought merchandise, all the beautiful messages throughout the 20-odd years. I want to thank my wife, my kids, my extended family, my village, my church family…and representing my 531pi family.

“Just really humbled and praying for God's blessings over everyone and their families.”

Tickets for the Australian tour of Tofiga Fepulea’i: Shuuush Your Mouf are available here.