VILIAMI ‘WILLIAM’ MAFI is a dynamic vocalist and Pacific Islander entertainer who continues to positively influence our youth He has been singing professionally since he was sixteen and has years of experience in the entertainment arena. William is classically trained; however, he also uses his natural human instincts when it comes to singing and performing. He teaches singing and is, in his own words, “a great cocktail maker”. I sat down with William to find out more about this riveting performer.

What is your nationality?
“I am full Tongan but I’m sure one of the relo’s must’ve played around secretly under the lalo talo…” he says jokingly.

How many siblings do you have?
“I am one of eleven children”.

Where in Tonga are you from?
“I was born in Tonga in a little shack” he says laughingly “and I grew up in Sydney, Australia. My parents are from Ma’ufanga and Ha’atafu”.

Who are your inspirations?
“Music wise, my family and various artists but otherwise I am inspired by Life in general. Living life, living the ups and downs of life inspires me. My family, friends and even strangers inspire me”.

Growing up as a young Tongan performer who was your idol?
“My idol was Iveti Kolo. She had an amazing gift of performing”.

What shows have you been involved in?
“I have performed with a lot of artists and have also done a lot of support work and shows. I performed in several musicals which included ‘The Best of Whore House in Texas’ where the song ‘I will always love you’ is originally from, also there were the ‘Man of steel’ and the ‘Rocky horror show’. I’ve also worked with Normie Rowe, Maria Venutti and many other entertainers”.

Where has your performing/singing taken you?
“All over the world – Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand, Tonga. I’ve performed on Cruise ships and that takes you travelling all over the world for free! Plus I still get paid for it” he says laughing.

You currently entertain in an “Aloha Down Under” show. Can you tell us about the show?
“The show takes a little bit of music and dance from the various South Pacific Islands of the Cook Islands, Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga and modernises it into cabaret form. It’s an energetic and fun show and we encourage a lot of audience participation. The show consists of the “Echo of Aloha” drummers, several female and male dancers as well as a four piece band. We even incorporate Aboriginal dancing into the show. We perform at corporate, club and private functions”.

I have heard so much about the Tina Turner show that you do. Can you tell me a little bit more about it?
“In the Tina Turner show I impersonate Tina. I sing the role, I dance the role, I play the role and I become her character. I don’t lip sing. I actually sing the songs. I love doing her songs. And I don’t mind a pair of great stilettos” he says with a great big William laugh. “I like to push boundaries on stage”.

What have you found to be most rewarding in your career?
“Making people smile, being able to share my gift with everybody has and is the most rewarding thing in this career. And being nominated for Mo and Ace awards isn’t too bad either” he says laughingly.

What advice can you give for upcoming artists and for the youth?
“Follow your dreams whether it sounds silly or not. Be an individual. Don’t be afraid to express one’s opinion. Do everything to the best of your ability. Somewhere along the line something will fall into place. Don’t be afraid to use your background and heritage because this can be a stepping stone for you where you can use it to your advantage. Also build a network of people because this can lead to future career prospects. Talk to people, get to know people.

What advice did you receive from your parents?
“They advised me to enjoy what I do and to always give 110 per cent. I was blessed because my parents were very supportive of me”.

Talking about negatives and struggles, William says, “There were no negatives because I believed in myself and I believed in my craft. I believe in the Art of music. I don’t believe in negative things and negative thinking AT ALL. Struggles? Well, all I can say is, been there, done that and I am still breathing”.

Are there any other Pacific Islander Entertainers who you feel are positively influencing our youth?
“Of course! There are the Kami’s who are doing well. I’ve done some vocal work with them. Also there is 6 pound, Siva Ahosivi. At the moment, I’m working with a young girl but no names just yet”.

Some quick facts about William Mafi
Favourite Book: Ask and it is given by Esther and Jerry Hicks
Favourite Drink: I don’t mind a good glass of wine and a cheese platter he adds laughing. Definitely not kava!
Favourite Food: Lu sipi of course
Favourite Hobbies: I enjoy playing tennis, fishing, ten pin bowling, going to the beach, movies, dining and wine and teaching
Favourite Music: Classical, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues. I love all sorts. In today’s music, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, 6 pound, Tina Turner and all the Divas
Favourite Song: One moment in time by Whitney Houston
Future Goals: To keep doing what I do and hopefully to direct and produce. I dream of one day doing a Tongan musical. It would be great to see a show of Tongan performers and singers. I’d also love to perform in Las Vegas.

William Mafi loves to help out wherever he can. If you have questions you want to ask him or are in need of help he is very willing to help you. With his expertise, one can learn much about the inside workings of the entertainment industry. He can be contacted via e-mail: HYPERLINK mailto:aloha4showbiz@yahoo.com.uk aloha4showbiz@yahoo.com.uk.

His upcoming show dates are:
March 2007 17th Blacktown Workers Club
April 2007 14th Mount Druitt Workers Club
28th Wentworthville

Sosefina Langifisi currently resides in Campbelltown, Sydney, Australia where she is attending the University of Western Sydney majoring in Music Performance