Album Notes

'Unaloto Ki Pulotu
The album title 'Unaloto Ki Pulotu is symbolic of my yearning as a Tongan music artist who was raised outside of Tonga to always remain connected to my cultural roots. The word 'unaloto means to cherish an affectionate desire or longing for someone or something. The word Pulotu references our ancestral homeland of where it is believed that we as Tongans originated from. The word pulotu also means composer of songs. Thus, the title of this album fully captures my desire to use music as a medium to actualize my affectionate longing for my homeland of Tonga. It is also my way of paying homage to the Tongan pulotus and punakes who have inspired me with their lyrics, their music, and their love for Tongan culture. I dedicate this album to them and to all other Tongan music artists who have been and continue to be inspired by traditional Tongan music; a genre that is timeless in its own right.

Tonga Red Cross Society Project
The songs in this album are not my own compositions but rather the lyrics and compositions of the greatest musicians to ever walk the earth. Currently, there has not been an established uniform way of making sure that permission from and monetary compensation is granted to many of our great Tongan musicians and so it would not be right for me to make any money from this album. Hence, the reason I decided to donate 100% of all the proceeds to the Tonga Red Cross Society (TRCS). The TRCS is known for the countless services they offer to Tongans throughout the Kingdom and hopefully my modest donation from this album will help further their work and their cause. Our beloved late Queen Salote Tupou III, one of the most revered Tongan composers served as the very first patron of the Tonga Red Cross Society. Through this project we hope to further what she established years ago and what she dedicated her life to-- which was always for the well-being of the Tongan people. This project is my labor of love and my humble contribution to my Tongan people and the Kingdom of Tonga.