Just over a week ago much loved rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, and community activist Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed outside his Marathon Clothing Store in Crenshaw, Los Angeles.  

The tragedy sparked an outpouring of grief, love & unity with an historic unity walk attended by rival gangs within the area over the weekend.  Amongst those who paid their respects were members of the Tongan community from Inglewood as well as Polynesians from South central, Long Beach, Watts, Hawthorne & from all over L.A. 

Renei Ngaue Fangupo shares how and why they chose to give back to those showing support & love.

By Renei Ngaue Fangupo 

"I put our flag out there on Tuesday showing love & respect from everyone but mostly the Tongans in LA because most of us knew Nipsey before he became famous.  He used to perform with some of my family and that started the bond between us Tongans & the late NIP.…more

Fa'afetai "Tai" Fa'aleava 

Doctor of Psychology

Samoan 

The last time we spoke to Tai Faaleava, he was still a student working towards his Psy.D (Doctorate in Clinical Psychology) in 2016. Since then, Tai Faaleava has become Dr Tai Faaleava, and he has continued his work as a Psychologist within Prisons.

In a recent chat, Dr Faaleava shared how his personal journey shapes the impact he has on clients, especially in a prison setting.

When Dr Faaleava walks into his therapy sessions with his patients, he takes with him his cultural values. The Samoan Psychologist believes that before even drawing from his learnings from University, he starts with Fa’aaloalo (Respect) Loto maulalo (Humility) and Tautua (Service)

“We can all be taught the same thing. I sat in the same classes as every other psychologist that came to my school but the difference in how we impact lives depends on how we deliver services”

Dr Faaleava fondly recalls sessions with Samoan inmates where he has been able to connect with them on a personal level through the language.…more

Our Fresh reporter Shimpal Lelisi checks out the highlights at One Love Festival in New Zealand & investigates why our Pacific Islands people love & connect with reggae music so much.

Viliame Kikau's untold story of heartbreak and inspiration as he travels back to Fiji to reunite with his older brother Jope.

Onion Squad is the first team from The Kingdom of Tonga to qualify to compete at the World Hip Hop International in Phoenix, Arizona in August 2019.

Over the last 10 years people have been working towards growing the dance scene in Tonga. This year they have been running community dance classes and have wanted to find ways to create more opportunities for their young people in the creative arts.

Onion Squad have the opportunity to live the dream many people in Tonga have been following on Youtube for over 15 years. This will open up more doors not only for the team but also to create more platforms for our young people so can put up a good fight against social issues that are plaguing our youth in recent years, such as drugs and school fighting. 

Their hope is that Creative Arts will take over the Kingdom so that their young people will have an alternative to these issues.…more

Check out Steven Adams SPORTSMANSHIP moments from the 2018 season.

He's been nominated for the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award!

He's one of 12 nominees & the award recognises the player deemed 'the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment and dedication to team.' 

NBA players will decide the winner as the nominee with the highest point total accumulated will be crowned the winner. The NBA will make a $25,000 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice.

While Adams has become one of the toughest players in the NBA, he is also known to be a team player who often does the dirty work that doesn’t necessarily show up in the box score.

Past teammates have often raved about Adams and the type of player that he is off of the court, so it may not be a surprise to some that Adams is up for the award this year.

Former NRL & Super League rugby league player, author and founder of Athlete Empire Management, Sione Faumuina speaks out about the challenges that led to his downfall and the strength it took to come back up again.

.

.

Director & Editor - Damon Fepulea'i 

Camera Operator - Fa'anati Mamea 

Tailani Salanoa shares why her family run business 'Mailelani' is Fresh Out Da Box & why buying Mailelani also helps an entire community in Samoa!

Their entire skincare range is made from organic coconut oil straight outta Savai'i & is hand made in Samoa.

Jason geeks out meeting his favourite team of all time - the All Blacks 7s!

He also shares the story about where he got his cherished All Blacks #8 jersey from 

"If you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I wanted to be a surfer. I'm massively thankful to collaborate with Tim at Surfboard Warehouse and build these beautiful environmentally sustainable surfboards" - Jason Momoa