Siaki is a Polynesian teen entertainer, and a triple threat (singing, acting and dancing). He was born in the South Pacific Islands of Tonga and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He is best known for playing the role of Owen in ABC’s BLACK-ISH. Siaki is also a musician with a focus in Hip-Hop. Siaki gained his highest recognition as a Tahitian dancer, at the age of 9 where he won Best Lead-Role Dancer at Tahiti Fete 2012, known to be one of the largest competitions outside of Tahiti. It was the 1st time in San Jose Tahiti Fete history of 20 years that a child dancer was awarded this great honor. Siaki has taken 1st place and overall in several Polynesian dance competitions throughout California and Utah. Siaki is under the direction of Tiana Liufau (Choreographer for Disney’s Moana) Siaki is also a nominee for the 2016 Colsac 10th Annual awards for “Best Youth Actor in a FILM” and “Best Youth Actor in a PLAY.”
Follow Siaki at @siakisii
Hi Siaki, please tell us a little about you?
My name is Siaki Sii, I just turned 17 years old and I am a Polynesian dancer and competitive soloist, actor and singer. I started in the entertainment world when I was 7 years old, in a Polynesian dance troupe called “Nonosina” where I booked my first role. I am grateful for the life that I have and love the life that I live.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Funny, Passionate and Loyal.
Who was your role model as a child?
I have many role models in my life, my family always uses this saying “It takes a village to raise a child” So the first person that comes to mind as my role model as a child and still is to this day is my dad. My dad is an amazing man. I feel like “Good” men don’t get enough credit in the world we live in.
How did you get started into acting?
I have always known that I wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to be in action films, doing all the crazy wild stunts. I’m just grateful to have a team that I have today that help guide the way for me.
How has this changed your life?
It has changed my life in many ways. It has it’s ups and downs meaning the ups is all the fun perks that come with it and being able to share and do what you love, and the downs are you won’t always make it to your family events because it’s a sacrifice that you have to learn how to balance. I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Tell us about your work in ABC’s “Black-ish,” and your role as Owen?
My role as Owen was my very first Co-Star role that I booked. Owen was an awesome character that reminded me of myself, always so goofy and fun.
What other projects you have been part of?
I have been in Polynesian projects and those ones are very special to me because it’s a platform for all, but showcases a life of a Polynesian teen and family.
Now on the music side, who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My grandparents (my moms parents) are the influence behind my music. They have always encouraged me to pursue it and to make sure that I learned to sing music in my own language first and foremost. My first music video was dropped on Youtube was a song in my native tongue.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Distinct, Funk and Fun.
What is your next goal as a musician?
My goal as a musician is to be able to help teens overcome challenges in life through my music and or song and dance. Giving them hope to try harder, be better and become whatever they want to be in life!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is being able to share positive messages and travel across the country not only sharing good but sharing cultural understanding. I share a piece of me everywhere I go.
How would you explain your fashion style?
My fashion style is very unique depending on my mood and what I am attending. Most of my days I like to be comfortable with a “chill look.”
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Looking at your phone.
How would your best friend describe you?
Creative, Daring and Humble.
What’s next for Siaki Sii in 2020?
Lots of new original music that includes a lot of mixtures of drums and funk!
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is FAMILY! My family is everything to me.
How is a normal day in your life?
A normal day in my life when I’m not on set is waking up at 5am to attend Seminary, making sure I’m diving into the education I need, practice guitar, vocals, piano and performance, attend my weekly classes, creating music, and making sure I work towards perfection towards my craft.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Idea of a perfect Sunday would be a day of rest. A day that is very sacred to me. I do nothing on this day but attend church and come home and spend quality time with my family.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
It would be my grandparents on my dad’s side because I never met them, they died before I was born, to simply thank them for raising a good man I call dad.
What is your favorite healthy food?
My favorite healthy food would be, wow I don’t think I have one. Which tells you where my diet is. I love fruits though like apples and grapes.
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite cheat food is cheese Pizza.
Best advice ever given?
Be True to YOU!
Do you support any charity?
I support many charities but importantly I love giving back to all those in need.
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
That’s a hard one, because I was always taught that things we have in life are temporary but relationships build are created on a foundation that could last a lifetime so I spend my time focusing on things that are eternal instead of temporal.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Touring the country
Favorite song? Why?
My favorite song would be “Every Little Step” by Bobby Brown mostly because of the beats and the lyrics remind that everything we do to accomplish our goals starts with every little step that we make.
What music do you like?
I like all genres of music but I often listen to Pop and R&B I have an old soul so I like oldies too.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s a great source of connecting with people.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on all social media platforms @siakisii
Quote: I never said it would be easy I only said it would be worth it. -Unknown
Favorite Singer/Artist: Michael Jackson
Movie: Fast and the Furious
Travel Destination: Tahiti
Sports Team: Lakers
Tv Show: Impractical Joker
Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Photo Credit: Deidhra Fahey Photography
