Seiuli Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson shared his excitement about plans to return home this year.
Photo/File.
“I can’t wait to soon return back home to Sāmoa,” says Seiuli Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. But what does it mean for Sāmoa?
Excitement is building among Sāmoans as they await the return of superstar Seiuli Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to their homeland this year.
Earlier this week, Johnson shared his excitement of returning to his roots on social media.
“After 20 years of proudly carrying our culture with me around the world, I can’t wait to soon return back home to Sāmoa.
“I already have chills just thinking about it,” he shared.
The 52-year-old actor and wrestler reflected on the honour of his title “Seiuli” and its profound influence on his identity and commitment to his Sāmoan heritage.
“Besides having my three daughters, my Sāmoan High Chief Title, High Chief Seiuli is one of the greatest honours of my life.
“I gave my word and made a commitment 20 years ago to His Highness High Chief Maleatoa Tunamafili II and to our people of Sāmoa that I would ‘leave my boyish ways behind’ (well, I try) and carry my Sāmoan, Polynesian, and Black culture around the world with great respect, pride, kindness, mana, humility, and warrior spirit.”
In his recent post, Johnson dedicated his upcoming career endeavours, including projects with WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and Netflix, to his lineage and ancestors, paying tribute to his grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, grandmother Lia Maivia, and father Rocky "Soulman" Johnson.
What does The Rock’s return mean for Sāmoa?
Johnson’s return carries monumental significance for Sāmoans both at home and in the diaspora. But it represents much more than just fame and recognition.
His steadfast commitment to honouring his cultural identity and heritage on the global stage serves as an example of how one can celebrate one’s roots while achieving worldwide success.
His return could reignite interest among younger generations in understanding and preserving Sāmoan traditions, ensuring that the next wave of leaders appreciates the cultural foundations they inherit.
While cultural heritage plays a key role in his return, Johnson’s visit will also place Sāmoa in the international spotlight.
Johnson’s return carries monumental significance for Sāmoans both at home and in the diaspora. Photo/file.
The eyes of millions around the world will turn to this small island nation.
Such visibility has the potential to transform Sāmoa’s image as a cultural and tourist destination, unlocking economic opportunities for Sāmoa, particularly in tourism.
Overall, Johnson’s return to Sāmoa serves a meaningful purpose in celebrating cultural identity and heritage, boosting opportunities for the islands, and inspiring future generations to remain true to who they are.