We sat down with Masini Matautia, a proud Samoan and one of the founders of Teti's Club. He outlined the club's origin, mission, vision and a special cultural event they hosted for UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Masini spent about ten years immersed in the world of DJing. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, shutting down gigs, festivals, and events, he paused his DJ career for a year and a half. Once events resumed, he transitioned to managing logistics for festivals, driven by his passion for giving back. Masini emphasized that community is at the heart of his efforts, fueled by his deep commitment to service. This passion for community led to the founding of Teti's Club three years ago. Based in Brisbane, Australia, this non-profit organization is dedicated to creating a safe space for Pasifika and Māori men to connect, support, and inspire each other through meaningful conversations, stories, and experiences. Teti's Club was established by around ten men, including Masini and his older brother Carlos. The idea originated from a difficult conversation Masini had with a sibling facing personal issues. He noted that men, especially within the Samoan culture, aren't often taught how to cope with emotions, and speaking up can be intimidating due to the fear of reprimand. Within their group, they faced health challenges like high cholesterol and obesity, prompting them to start a six-week gym challenge early on.
This initiative fostered accountability and opened up deeper conversations about personal struggles. They had young fathers and men lacking the experiences of the older members, learning from each other about balancing fatherhood, work, and personal well-being. The name “Teti,” meaning dad in Tongan, reflects their focus on the journey of personal growth and support. He shared that for our people, it's all about the journey. They seek a space of comfort and non-judgment, where they feel like brothers. Masini emphasized that one of the biggest issues with mental health is the lack of trustworthy people to confide in. He learned that many men in our Pacific community are quick to listen to respond rather than to truly understand. He discovered that most men simply want to offload their burdens and that 90% of the time, they just need someone to have a conversation with. They aim to be of service and help change the social norms for our people. Looking ahead, Teti's Club envisions organizing more conferences and establishing a hub where men can receive counseling, find employment, and seek support. Masini shared his gratitude for the opportunity to serve and his belief in God's faithfulness. For Teti's Club, helping even one person makes their efforts worthwhile. They aspire to create a lasting legacy, ensuring their children understand and continue their mission of supporting and empowering men within their community.
“If we have better men in our community, we can have better homes for our families.”
In mid-June, Teti's Club partnered with Tap In Pasifika, a cultural and arts organization based in Logan, Brisbane, led by Li'aifaiva, a skilled tufuga. This collaboration was facilitated by Masini, who received the opportunity through his good friends Maxwell and Chris, in honor of Men's Mental Health Week.
Masini, seizing the chance, approached Li'aifaiva, a family member and the founder of Tap In Pasifika, recognizing the event's significance. “This opportunity,” Masini reflected, “was truly a gift.” He appreciated Chris's intention to support Men's Mental Health Week, feeling aligned with the event's purpose. Masini orchestrated a culturally rich experience for Alex Pereira, the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and former UFC Middleweight Champion.
Reflecting on Pereira's presence, Masini praised his humility and eagerness to embrace Samoan culture, particularly his engagement in the siva dances. Pereira's participation highlighted his respect for his heritage and willingness to learn from others. The event not only promoted cultural exchange but also honored the community, which was the biggest reason of putting this on. Twenty local Pasifika business owners and leaders, including chaplains and champions in their fields, were recognized for their contributions.
“We wanted to celebrate these hardworking individuals who often don't receive the recognition they deserve.”
The event featured an Ava ceremony and traditional Samoan dances, including the siva, where Pereira actively participated alongside members of the Mr Mr Siva Dance Group. Ropeta, wife of Li'aifaiva, performed a taualuga, a traditional Samoan dance, adding to the cultural immersion. Notably, a special highlight was when Li'aifaiva personally tattooed Pereira's trainer using an ‘au, a traditional Samoan tattooing tool, creating a memorable and significant moment during the event.
Masini emphasized the importance of checking in on others, even those who appear strong. He acknowledged Enchiro Decor for event styling and Uncle Sam's Catering, founded by Masini's father in 2002 as Brisbane's first Polynesian takeaway, for catering the event. For more on this event and Teti's Club, visit @tetis.club, @tapin_pasifika, and @liaifaiva on social media.
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, July 2024 (Vol. 1 No. 3).
July 2024 · Digital Magazine
