Xuenou > Celebrity > “My Goal Is To Serve My Family And My Village”: KJ Apa Was Made A Samoan Chief
“My Goal Is To Serve My Family And My Village”: KJ Apa Was Made A Samoan Chief
The New Zealand–born actor is Samoan on his father's side. The chiefs reportedly commended his decision to "take on this step in accepting his Samoan heritage and culture as well as his new responsibilities."

“My Goal Is To Serve My Family And My Village”: KJ Apa Was Made A Samoan Chief

You probably know KJ Apa as the actor who plays Archie Andrews on Riverdale.

ABC

I love these pics of KJ’s father proudly displaying his pe’a, the traditional Samoan tattoo. It is deeply significant and often conveys people’s history and lineage. To get the traditional tattoo is a great honor; it represents a person’s acceptance of their responsibility to their community and celebrates their permanent dedication to the culture. 

After the actor shared that his grandfather was also a chief, Jimmy asked if KJ would become one too. KJ was unsure at the time and mentioned he’s not fluent in Samoan. “I would think it’s a huge responsibility,” he said. “I don’t really feel adequate, to be honest, but I doubt myself in almost everything that I do.”

ABC

Well, the matai title Savae was just bestowed upon him!

Rich Fury / Getty Images

Last night, the 25-year-old shared a pic and some videos from the saofa’i (the cultural ceremony) in Moata’a. In the Instagram caption, he wrote, “O la’u fautuaga – o le a ou tautua i le tatou aiga ma le tatou nu’u. Fa’afetai i le Atua. My goal is to serve my family and my village (Moata’a) Thank you God.”

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KJ Apa / Instagram: @kjapa

The chiefs reportedly commended the actor’s decision to “take on this step in accepting his Samoan heritage and culture as well as his new responsibilities.”

Radio Samoa

Malo, KJ! Congratulations!