From Rugby Dreams to Disability Advocacy Through Music
Fonotī Pati Umaga never imagined his life would take such a dramatic turn. The 67-year-old musician and disability advocate has transformed a life-changing accident into a powerful platform for Pasifika and disabled artists through his deeply personal theatrical production, Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan.
"I wanted Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson to play me, but he was too expensive," Umaga says with characteristic humour about his reluctance to centre himself in the production. This self-deprecating approach reflects the Samoan saying he lives by: "A kūmara never talks about how sweet it is."
A Musical Journey Begins
Growing up in Wellington's Wainuiomata, Umaga dreamed of following in the footsteps of his cousin, former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga. However, his father had different plans, insisting his sons form a family band instead of pursuing rugby.
"Dad said, 'You're not going to play rugby, I want you to play music at church.' He forced me and my two brothers to start a family band in our garage," Umaga recalls.
The self-taught musicians quickly gained recognition, performing at popular cabarets and supporting established artists like Frankie Stevens and Dalvanius Prime. This led to a significant breakthrough with the Holidaymakers, whose hit "Sweet Lovers" dominated New Zealand charts in 1988.
Umaga's career flourished through composition and music education, including teaching at Porirua's Whitireia Polytechnic and founding a record label during five years in Auckland.
Life-Changing Moment
Everything changed in 1995 when Umaga slipped getting out of the shower. "I hit the wall and felt a crack in my neck," he explains. "It turns out I'd fractured my spinal cord."
What followed were what Umaga describes as his "dark years." The transition to life in a wheelchair brought not only physical challenges but also confronting societal attitudes towards disability.
"For a long time, I felt like there was no point in living. I couldn't do anything, including wiping my own bum. I also had to deal with the stigma of being in a wheelchair and attitudes about disabled people."
Finding Purpose Through Advocacy
Recovery came through an unexpected source: a former street kid Umaga had once mentored returned to help him find his way back to youth work and disability advocacy. This journey of giving back was recognised in 2012 when Umaga received a Queen's Service Medal.
The theatrical production emerged from encouragement by acclaimed writer Oscar Kightley and director Nathaniel Lees, who saw the power in Umaga's personal story. Originally conceived as a tribute to his supporters, the show evolved into something more intimate.
"Nathaniel said, 'This is about you and how your accident changed you, that's the story you need to tell.' I was nervous, but I trusted him," Umaga explains.
Cultural Connections
The 70-minute production weaves together multiple elements of Umaga's heritage, including music performed by his grandfather using original recordings. "I got my extended family into the studio and we recorded alongside his voice, so it sounded like we were singing together in the same room."
Choreographed by Black Grace founder Neil Ieremia, the show has provided Umaga with a meaningful return to his musical roots, despite physical challenges. "It's been five years since I last played the bass and in that time my fingers have stiffened quite a bit," he notes.
Breaking Barriers in the Arts
For Umaga, this production represents more than personal catharsis. It's about creating pathways for others facing similar challenges. "I want to show Pacific disabled artists that no matter the challenges or adversity, there's an opportunity for them to be part of the arts at a high level."
The work speaks to broader themes of resilience and community support that resonate beyond Pasifika and disability communities. Umaga believes it will connect with indigenous peoples globally, demonstrating how personal stories can illuminate universal experiences of overcoming adversity.
"I also want to acknowledge the many people who helped me get to this point, from teachers to other disabled people who guided me. This journey is not my own," he emphasises, staying true to the kūmara philosophy that has guided his approach to life and advocacy.
Through Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan, Umaga continues to utilise skills from his "walking days" to help others find their pathway, proving that even life's most challenging turns can become opportunities for meaningful impact.