Eric Petersen, a talented musician known for his role as the keyboard player in Josh Tatofi’s band, was recently bestowed the chiefly title of “Fonoti” during a saofa’i ceremony in the village of Faleapuna, Samoa. This followed his completion of the traditional tatau (pe’a), a significant step in his commitment to serving his family and aiga potopoto (extended family).
Petersen paused his schedule with Josh Tatofi’s Pacific tour to focus on reconnecting with his family in Samoa, many of whom he hadn’t seen in years. He prepared himself both physically and mentally for the tatau process, known for its difficulty and pain, as a part of fulfilling his cultural obligations.
The saofa’i ceremony drew family members from Samoa and overseas, as well as close friends who travelled to witness the event. Petersen expressed his gratitude to those who supported him, saying,
“It’s truly a privilege to receive this honor and serve my aiga and the people of my village. I thank my Heavenly Father for the gift of life and my family for trusting me with this responsibility.”
He was grateful to share the ceremony with his uncle, Fonoti Leniu Taliulu Vainiu Te’o, who was also bestowed the same title.
With the traditional rituals now behind him, Petersen returns to Hawai’i to prepare for the next leg of Josh Tatofi’s tour, set to resume across the Pacific in February 2025.
