‘The most beautiful thing’: Meet TikTok’s Comedy Creator of the Year

An account that began with humourous interactions and pranks between a father and his daughters has grown into a wholesome platform showcasing authentic Pacific parenthood.

Gold Coast-based Tongan dad, Havea Ilai Matagi (@havea_676), was named Comedy Creator of the Year at the Australia/New Zealand TikTok Awards 2024, held in Sydney last week.

In an interview with NiuFm’s The Morning Shack, Matagi said he felt “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of love and support he has received.

“It’s been crazy man. My socials have just been popping off.

“Really grateful for everything that is going on, but I’m so glad that I’m back home in Brisbane with the comfort of my kids, mum and dad, and everyone. Just to celebrate with the people that really matter.”

Matagi says celebrating the win was somewhat bittersweet though his wife, Peta, was in the audience, he couldn’t embrace her until the end of the evening.

“My wife was there, which is what I was really grateful for ‘coz my anxiety was out the roof. But at the same time, I couldn’t see her until the programme finished as well.”

Since he couldn’t talk to the queens of his content, his daughters - until the next morning - Matagi’s sister recorded their emotional reaction and sent it to him.

“It was the most beautiful thing,” he said.

“People are telling me to show their reaction, but I think this one’s something special that I’m just keeping for myself.

“They broke down crying aye. Yeah, very special.”

That sentiment didn’t last long, however, as the typical banter and bickering resumed as soon as they left their grandparents’ house.

“As soon as we were driving back home, the arguments in the back were already like, ‘Nah, you all know it was me that makes the TikTok better’.”

Matagi is known for his entertaining “dad-life” and “girl-dad” videos, which centre around raising and mediating his three youngest daughters.

Followers of Matagi’s content often praise the confidence, wit, and hilarious delivery of Mia, Mele, and Nini.

Reflecting on his early days, Matagi says he could “never have imagined” this success or their content would be so widely viewed.

“To be Comedy Creator of the Year in Australia and New Zealand, I know there’s so many people that would be up there to take that position, but I’m gonna take it this year.”

Since claiming the award last Wednesday, Matagi’s TikTok account has gained around 2 million likes, bringing his total to 93 million.

He has also garnered about 100,000 new followers, bringing his total to 1.6 million.

His Instagram has over 620,000 followers and his YouTube channel has 4.3 million views.

“I started creating videos with my girls for our own entertainment, for our own laughs. And it’s still for laughs, it’s just for laughs on a different level now.”

Interest in Matagi’s platform and content is clearly growing, but what truly sets him apart is his commitment to fatherhood and being a husband.

As a full-time home and life content creator, Matagi has achieved the work-life balance that many dream of.

He describes his journey as one he is taking step by step, and for now, he’s “just riding the wave”.

“Thank everyone that’s been backing us and following us, all the above, thank you guys so much.

“Most of all, thank everyone in New Zealand, I know I’ve got a big following in New Zealand and a lot of people put in the votes for me as well. Truly grateful.

“New Zealand and especially the Poly community and the Poly content creators, New Zealand’s up there.”

Havea, a “massive fan" of host Regan Foa’i’s work, says plans are underway for a trip to New Zealand next year, where he hopes to collaborate and “mix with the big dogs” of Pacific comedy.