In the world of music, where rhythm meets purpose and tradition collides with modernity, certain moments define a generation. For Mo Unutoa and Ceefoe, that moment came with a single phone call... a call that would transform an idea into a full-fledged album, a body of work that would not only showcase their artistry but also uplift and unify their Polynesian roots.
Mo Unutoa, the mastermind behind Breadwinners, hails from Kaua'i, Hawai'i. At 26, the Samoan-Hawaiian-Tongan creative wears many hats, but his roots trace back to Aua, American Samoa. Ceefoe, 27, was born in American Samoa to Tongan parents, his father from Tefisi and his mother from Sopu. Though their journeys started worlds apart, their shared passion for music and storytelling brought them together. And now, they've just dropped their first collaborative album, FOE — 12 tracks, 9 collaborators, and a story worth telling.
The Genesis of FOE
For Mo, FOE was more than just an album; it was his introduction to the world of music.
"This is my first real step into music," Mo shares. "Ceefoe and I go way back, but stepping into the role of executive producer, putting the project under my brand, Breadwinners, and actually working in the studio—this was a dream come true."
Mo didn't just oversee the project; he crafted its tone and direction, curating the beats, messaging, and overall feel. He was the silent architect, shaping every track while ensuring Ceefoe had the perfect sound to complement his artistry.
For Ceefoe, music had been a calling since high school. "I started taking music seriously when I was about 15," he recalls. "I asked my older brother—who was in college at UCLA at the time—for a couple hundred dollars to get my own music equipment. From there, I started recording in my room, throwing tracks on SoundCloud, and by 2015, after moving to Utah, I really started building my name."
Their paths intertwined early in their careers, but it wasn't until late 2024 that the idea for FOE was born. Mo called Ceefoe with a simple request—lay down a track for a concept he had in mind. One song turned into two, then three, until Mo had a revelation: Why not make this an entire album?
"At first, I was hesitant," Ceefoe admits. "I don't usually do the Polynesian sound—it felt like a risk. But Mo had a vision, and looking back, I'm glad I trusted it."
Mo's motivation was clear—he wanted to elevate his brand, Breadwinners, beyond clothing. He initially reached out to Polynesian artists, offering to pay them to mention Breadwinners in their songs. But after brainstorming with Ceefoe, he realized he had a bigger purpose: to create something lasting, something meaningful. And so, FOE was born—a project bridging their worlds, blending Mo's vision for branding with Ceefoe's artistry.
The Story of Breadwinners
Mo's entrepreneurial journey started in 2021, born out of adversity.
"I had to ask myself, who am I beyond football?"
"I was playing football for BYU, and during my senior year, I tore my shoulder. That was it for me. When the doctors told me I couldn't play anymore, real life hit me," Mo reflects. In that period of soul-searching, he took a leap of faith. With the money he had saved, he launched Breadwinners, a brand rooted in resilience and self-belief. "I never did presales. I bought the shirts, made them, and sold them directly. No middleman. Just me betting on myself."
The Making of FOE
Creating an album is no small feat, especially when working across different time zones, states, and even countries. While Mo was in Hawai'i and Ceefoe was based in Salt Lake City, Utah, they had to navigate the challenges of long-distance collaboration.
"The process was insane," Ceefoe says. "Juggling nine different artists, their schedules, different cities, different countries, different egos, it was a lot. But we locked in and made it happen."
They celebrated the album's release with a packed launch party in Salt Lake City, an event that was not just a milestone but a testament to the work they put in.
"If people knew what we went through to make this happen, they'd understand why this release was so emotional for us," Mo adds. "But now, it's out in the world, and we're just taking in all the feedback."
A key force behind the album's sonic identity was JSeki, also known as Jacob Taufa, a 19-year-old Tongan New Zealand-born producer who now resides in France for his rugby career. Every beat on the album was created by JSeki, bringing a fresh and innovative sound to the project. His work breathed life into FOE, setting the stage for Mo and Ceefoe's vision. As a young talent, JSeki's ability to shape the album's mood and energy made him an integral part of its creation, proving that passion and dedication can transcend borders.
The Collaborations & Influences
FOE boasts an impressive lineup of nine featured artists, including Sione Toki, Say.Kope, Richie V7, Stallyano, Revus, Baby Joe, J Stringz, KHSS, and Rich Rollin.
"Finding the right features was the funnest and hardest part," Ceefoe shares. "Mo and I spent hours brainstorming, reaching out to artists. Some were people we grew up listening to, some were new names Mo introduced me to. It was a true process of elimination, and we're grateful to everyone who came through."
As for their inspirations, both Mo and Ceefoe credit Drew Deezy's Poly Tape as a pivotal influence. "Those guys paved the way for young Polynesian artists like us to have the confidence to step into music," Ceefoe acknowledges. "They laid the foundation."
But beyond music, their greatest inspirations remain their families. "Our parents, grandparents, and ancestors made sacrifices so we could be here," Mo shares.
"We're doing something different, being a music artist or producer isn't always what Polynesian parents envision for their kids. But we're grateful to be out here proving it's possible."
The Message Behind FOE
More than just an album, FOE is a statement. A statement of unity, cultural pride, and generational connection.
"We wanted this album to be something every generation could listen to," Mo explains. "That's why there's no cursing, no vulgar messaging, just music that our parents, our kids, and our communities can be proud of."
Ceefoe echoes that sentiment. "Nowadays, it's easy to follow trends. But we want to show the young ones that you don't have to. It's cool to make music with a message."
With FOE, Mo and Ceefoe aren't just making music, they're making history. And to think, it all started with a single phone call. So the next time your homeboy calls, maybe pick up. You never know where the conversation might lead.
Fun With Ceefoe & Mo
- Dream collab — Ceefoe: Bob Marley
- Dream collab — Mo: Jordan (brand)
- Guilty pleasure song — Ceefoe: "Say So" by Doja Cat
- Guilty pleasure song — Mo: "Why I Love You So Much" by Monica
- Go-to hype song — Ceefoe: "Cartier" by Bino Rideau
- Go-to hype song — Mo: "Miss It" by Bino Rideaux
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, April 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 4).
April 2025 · Digital Magazine
