"I want people to be able to bring their children and their parents to my shows.
"Who I am on stage and who I am in life are the same person. Even when I am playing different characters I'm still me.
"Family is the most important thing to me and I grew up in the old school Samoan way."
As a father to three sons, aged 9, 10 and 14, Fepuea'i believes it is import to be a dad when he's at home.
"At home, I'm a more relaxed dude because it is important for the boys to know me as a dad rather than a performer.
"An upside to Covid restrictions has been the opportunity to spend more time with family."
Fepuea'i had to cancel Australian and Pacific tours when New Zealand's borders closed and the provinces will now get to enjoy his comedy instead.
"New Zealand audiences are so caring and loving that they are really eager to support live performers and it is heartwarming to see shows being booked out.
"I think people have missed being part of live audiences as well."
Much of Fepuea'i's comedy is based around language and Samoan pronunciations of English words.
So does he get negative feedback for sending up his own community?
"I really don't," he said.
"Samoan people have a wonderful ability to laugh at themselves and of course I'm laughing at myself as well.
"I know if I did cross that line my mum or someone else in the family would say 'Tofiga you have gone too far'."
Another indicator, he said, was the warm welcome he always got from audiences in Samoa and he was missing being able to visit while the borders were closed.
The realisation that non-Samoan audience members also appreciated his humour and he could take gentle swipes at other cultures had been great for adding more zest to his performances, he said.
His former partner in comedy Eteuati Ete often played the softly spoken straight man (or woman) bringing Fepuea'i back down to earth during some of his more exuberant performances so how will he manage on his own?
"The great thing about performing solo is that I do that myself now and I have developed stories that don't rely on those interactions."
Sorry Bout It promises to be a hilarious night out as Fepuea'i shares stories about growing up, family, fatherhood and looks at what it is to be raised as Samoan in New Zealand.
Fepuea'i's support act for his Whanganui show is Billy T Comedy Award nominee and NZ Comedy Guild winner James Nokise.
The New Zealand-based Welsh/Samoan comedian has recently delighted local audiences with performances at Lucky Bar + Kitchen.
Sorry Bout It: Friday, October 16, 8pm. Tickets $45 (A reserve), $36 (B reserve) or $150 family pass for 2 adults and 2 children (not available online). Tickets can be purchased online or from Royal Wanganui Opera House booking office Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm. 69 St Hill Street. Ph 06 349 0511.
