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MEET THE TEAM

Tupu Le Afi

Siva Afi Leader & Instructor
Jako Pupualii

My passion for Siva Afi (FireKnife) started when I was 5 years old and continued throughout my whole life. I am so blessed and honored to teach and educate our future generation and to serve our community. Born and raised in Western Samoa, and talanoa Samoa ma malamama faasamoa (speak and understand fluent Samoan). I am grateful and humble to share my passion for Siva Afi through our mission by staying connected with Fa'aaloalo (Respect), Mamalu (Honor), & Aiga (Family). This mission can allow our new generation to stay connected to our roots and show leadership for our Samoan community.  Tupu Le Afi school is dedicated to my son Tupu. I pray that Tupu can continue our legacy and pass down our culture with our future generation. 

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Business Operations Manager 
Jess Pupualii
 

I am the wife of Jako Pupualii. My background is in Tahitian & Hula dancing in California, Florida, and now Washington. My passion for Polynesian dancing began at age 5.  Growing up on the competition circuit, I have been fortunate to participate in many Heiva's and competitions in various states dancing with and competing against some of the best competitors in the industry. These experiences have helped me on my journey to help perpetuate Ori Tahiti's beautiful culture. In 2019, I expanded my resume by sharing my experiences to help plan and orchestrate the very first Heiva Maohi on the East Coast with the blessing and support of our Aunty Teuruhei. It was an honor and privilege to be able to grow up with so many beautiful overall dancers and Ori Metua's. It has shaped me to be the Ori Tahiti dancer I am today and I am forever grateful for every opportunity and growth each dancer has shared with me. I understand the dynamics of organizing and continuously learning everything to help perpetuate our Polynesian culture with honor and respect. Going forward we are blessed and fortunate to have the support of our elders and our community as we begin our new journey with Tupu Le Afi, alongside supporting my husband Jako Pupualii. 

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Supportive Aunty
Teuruhei

Meet our Aunty Teuruhei Kalaniuʻi Buchin, born of Hawaiian and Tahitian ancestry hails from the Nae’ole, Kekauoha Family of Hawaii and The Mariteragi, Buchin Family from Tahiti. Currently based out of Central Florida, she has personally been involved with perpetuating Poynesian culture for over 30 years through Professional Polynesian Entertainment, Diversity and Inclusion Educational Spokesperson, Pupu Ori Tamarii Maohi and Halau Hula o Kalaniu’i.  Under the direction of father James Tehuiarii Mariteragi Buchin, singer, Musician and culturalist, she was fortunate to learn from many great dancers, musicians and classic artisans who were leaders in the Tahitian Culture.  “We were fortunate that my Father gave us the gift of culture through language, arts and crafts, hura and music. It was not what we did on a weekend basis, but how we lived our life on a day to day basis. I thank God for this gift as it has taken me around the world and I too have something to pass down from my Tupuna to my children”.  Aunty Teuruhei's love for all cultures and diversity have been a vital part of her success as a Culturalist, Business Owner, Artisan, Financial Analyst, Mother, and Proud Maohi. “I look forward to serving my community in cultural, social, emotional, spiritual and financial growth.”

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Ambassador
Sakaio Leato Pupualii

Talofa lava, I am Jako Pupualii's older brother and was honored to share my passion with my younger brother Jako. Fireknife is my first passion since I was about 11 years old. There was a first Teuila Festival hosted at Apia Park Stadium in 1992 and I watched some of the great fireknife dancers who inspired me to start spinning sticks and later on put fire on it. I started competing at age 12 onwards during the Teuila Festival in Samoa and later on in Hawaii, American Samoa and the USA. During 30 years of experience, I have had the opportunities to work for Samoa Tourism to promote Samoa in exhibitions in Australia and road-shows in New Zealand through entertainment. Currently working in the Festival of Lion King Show as a FireKnife dancer in Hong Kong for over 10 years as a fire-knife dancer since 2008.

 

It was also amazing to teach others about the Art of Fireknife dance and especially my younger brother Jako Pupualiii. The feeling of challenging myself and others to compete for the best, it’s rewarding. I believe Jako has the ability to improve on it and pass the torch to the next generation of fireknife dancers. As a former champ in fireknife dancing, it’s humbling to have the experience to compete and travel the world at the same time. I’m very grateful to be part of my Samoan culture in this area and have the opportunity to meet polynesian friends and learn from other cultures around the world. It takes 100% commitment and perseverance to stay committed for a long time just like any other talent to master it. Furthermore, having a healthy approach in terms of work ethics and good attitude will help to endure some of the challenges we face each day in our daily routines. All the best and may the fire be with you!🔥

 

Professional Accomplishments

  • 2007 World Fire-knife Competition Hawaii Semifinalist – Senior Division

  • 2006 Annual World Fire-knife Competition California 1st Runner-Up – Senior Division

  • 2005 Annual World Fire-knife Competition California CHAMPION – Senior Division

  • 2004 Annual World Fire-knife Competition California 2nd Runner -UP – Senior Division

  • 2004 Annual World Fire-knife Competition American Samoa CHAMPION – Senior Division

  • 2004 Siva Afi International Competition Samoa 1st Runner -up – Senior Division

  • 2003 Siva Afi International Competition Samoa CHAMPION – Senior Division

  • 2003 World Fire-knife Competition Hawaii Semifinalist – Senior Division

  • 2003 Annual World Fire-knife Competition American Samoa 2nd Runner-Up – Senior Division

  • 2002 Siva Afi International Competition Samoa CHAMPION – Senior Division

  • 1999 Teuila Festival Fire-knife Competition Samoa 1st Runner-Up – Senior Division

  • 1998 Teuila Festival Fire-knife Competition Samoa CHAMPION – Senior Division

  • 1997 World Fire-knife Competition Hawaii CHAMPION – Intermediate Division

  • 1996 Teuila Festival Fire-knife Competition Samoa CHAMPION – Junior Division

  • 1995 Teuila Festival Fire-knife Competition Samoa 2nd Runner-Up – Junior Division

  • 1994 Teuila Festival Fire-knife Competition Samoa CHAMPION – Junior Division

  • 1993 Teuila Festival Fire-knife Competition Samoa 1st Runner-Up – Junior Division

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