Fonotī Pati Umaga

Fonotī Pati Umaga is a celebrated Samoan musician and dedicated Pacific and disability advocate, with a remarkable life story that has just been showcased in a new theatre work Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan at the Wellington and Auckland Arts Festivals.

Fonotī was raised in a church-going family in Wainuiomata and expected to become a minister. Instead, he became a musician, playing bass for Wellington band The Holidaymakers and launching his own recording label. He also spent time as a youth worker, working alongside Tariana Turia.

His life changed in 2005, after a serious neck injury saw him lose the use of his legs. A period of depression and addiction followed, before encouragement from a former client saw him embrace a new role as a disability advocate.

Pati’s advocacy work earned him a Queen’s Service Medal in 2012 and induction into the Attitude Awards Hall of Fame. He is continuing to push for rights and visibility for disabled people, and his recent theatre work was another opportunity to challenge the stereotypes and stigma that the disabled community face. He works as a Senior Adviser, Engagement and Delivery, at the Crown Response Office.