COMEDY’S TOPP PRIZE GOES TO TOFIGA FEPULEA’I
The New Zealand Comedy Trust is pleased to announce the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Topp Prize: beloved Samoan New Zealand comedian, actor, musician, entertainer and radio host, Tofiga Fepulea’i. Affectionately known as the Humble King of Comedy, Wellington born and raised Tofiga has spent more than two decades on stage and screen bringing laughter and his trademark character-driven storytelling to audiences across Aotearoa and beyond.
Bestowed annually, the Topp Prize honours those who push creative boundaries and inspire audiences and fellow comedians through their work, much like the award’s namesakes, Dames Jools and Lynda Topp. As part of his prize, Tofiga receives a $15,000 cash grant from the New Zealand Comedy Trust to support his ongoing creative endeavours.
“It’s a real honour. I am just happy to be the recipient in terms of all the other people that I carry with me, in terms of family and those who have supported me. Always grateful to be able to represent my family, and especially good old Kiwis, as a Samoan made in New Zealand. It’s lovely, I really appreciate it. And to be honoured by the Topps, I’m really humbled. Thank you very much,” says Tofiga.
Tofiga first rose to stardom as one half of the iconic The Laughing Samoans, alongside Eteuati Ete, and has gone on to be one of the most recognisable Samoan comedy talents today. Audiences are delighted by his standup comedic genius, acting and musicianship.
Tofiga’s inspirations are drawn from his old-school Samoan upbringing, his experiences as a Pacific Islander in Aotearoa, and also, his transition into fatherhood with three teenage sons. In addition to stand up, Tofiga performs hilarious characters, a fan favourite is his character Aunty Tala. Earlier this year Tofiga performed his Shuuush Your Mouf tour to sold-out audiences across the country, headlined the NZ International Comedy Festival’s Last Laughs show (as seen on the NZ International Comedy Festival’s YouTube channel), and received the 2025 Reilly Comedy Award from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand.
On top of an impressive standup career, Tofiga has been seen most recently on screen in Taskmaster NZ, and as the voice of Nalo, God of Storms, in Disney’s Moana 2. Tofiga is host of 531 PI’s Island Time alongside Inangaro Vakaafi. Tofiga is based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara where he is very active in the Church and community, and loves watching his sons play rugby.
The NZ Comedy Trust is dedicated to championing the craft of comedy, so that everyone can share a laugh. Alongside the Trust’s other renowned awards, the Fred and the Billy T — which are competitive prizes awarded during the NZ International Comedy Festival — the annual Topp Prize is a non-competitive honour that celebrates someone who has made an impact through artistic excellence, generosity of spirit and uniqueness of voice.
Each year, the Topp Twins name the annual recipient, from the advice of a hand-picked selection panel. First awarded in 2022, the previous recipients are Chris Parker, Jo Randerson and James Nokise. This year, the panel was again led by comedy industry legend Paul Horan (NZ International Comedy Festival co-founder), with James Nokise(2024 Topp Prize winner, 2019 Fred Award Winner), Jon Bridges (Executive Producer, Paddy Gower Has Issues, 7 Days, The Project, member of Facial DBX), Salesi Le’ota (Toi Whakaari — Head of Department Acting), Amie Mills (NZ On Air — Head of Funding), Janaye Henry (2023 Billy T nominee, writer, actress) and Gemma Gracewood (NZ Comedy Trust interim Executive Director, producer and performer). The panel was convened by the NZ Comedy Trust’s Programming and Production Manager, Joel Wood.
Much like the Topp Twins’ unwavering devotion to their audiences, Tofiga’s deep commitment to community stood out to the selection panel. His dedication to his fans, supporters and community is as impactful as his elevation of younger Pasifika and Māori artists. The panel noted that by hand-picking emerging comedians, musicians and poets as his support acts, Tofiga makes space for them on his stage and elevates their craft to new audiences.
“Tofiga is a legend amongst audiences, fellow comedians and the Pacific community. Though he performs solo shows just a handful of times a year, it is always to massive crowds, and the love and joy filling the room makes the atmosphere at a Tofiga show electric. It’s a blessing for our whole community to be able to share this comedy space with a man who is so full of love, integrity and passion for making people laugh,” says NZ Comedy Trust Programming and Production Manager, Joel Wood.