Trybal Uprizing comes from a simple idea: the tribal uprising.
I'm a New Zealand-born Samoan, and I learned the value of hard work from my parents. They were first-generation migrants who came to Aotearoa to build a better future for themselves and for their children.
They made their way in a new world as Samoans, always moving forward without forgetting where they came from. And they kept their promise to support family back home whenever they could.
Trybal Uprizing looks back on the many struggles Samoa has endured, from colonial rule to the Mau Movement's peaceful stand under the banner Samoa mo Samoa, "Samoa for Samoans." But out of that turmoil, something beautiful was born: a people who stood tall and said, we are still here.
That's where this brand began: with my own story and my own Samoan pride.
Every tribe has its uprising
But the story doesn't stop with Samoa. Our Pacific people are spread right across the ocean and right around the world, from the islands to Aotearoa, Australia, the United States and beyond.
Every island and every tribe has had its own uprising: a time in its history when its people stood firm, held on to their language, land and culture, and refused to be forgotten. Whether your roots are in Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau or anywhere else in the Pacific, that story belongs to you too.
So you don't have to be Samoan to wear Trybal Uprizing. If you carry the Pacific in your heart, or you simply love and support our people, these tees are for you.
A dream since 1996
Back in high school, I sketched out an idea for a clothing brand. Every shirt would carry a village's name, alongside the legends, landmarks and stories that make that place home. I had the vision, but not the tools, the technology or the means to bring it to life.
So the dream waited.
Nearly thirty years later, it's finally here. Every design in this store is part of that promise I made to myself as a teenager.
More of the Pacific on the way
We've started with the villages of Samoa and America Samoa, and our Nations Pride range already flies the flags of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. More Pacific tees will be added as the year rolls on, so keep checking back, and if you'd like to see your island or village, let us know through our Contact page.
Wear your village
When you wear Trybal Uprizing, you're carrying your village, your family and your history with you. Every piece is printed to order, made for those who know where they come from and aren't afraid to show it.
Samoa mo Samoa. The Pacific for its people.
Trybal Uprizing Ltd. — Est. 1996.