Riverdale star, KJ Apa bestowed the chiefly Savae title in Samoan ceremony

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 01 SEPTEMBER 2022: Riverdale star, KJ Apa who plays Archie Andrews in the CW drama series has been bestowed the Samoan chiefly title Savae in a traditional ceremony by the chiefs of his village of Moata’a, early this morning.

“O le a ou tautua – I will serve,” was his testimony to his village and his family as he accepted his Ava, his seat in the village council and his family, and the numerous responsibilities that come with a holder of the Savae title.

Savae KJ said his full testimony in the Samoan language.

The bestowment ceremony was held at the traditional grounds – Laoa o Tamapua in Moataa village and the chiefs commended the actor’s courage to take on this step in accepting his Samoan heritage and culture as well as his new responsibilities.

Savae Keneti presented the village chiefs monetary gifts and also presented his traditional attire worn during the ceremony to the village as is custom.

Meeting the village chefs after he was bestowed the chiefly title.

The 25 year old actor, grew up in Samoa before moving to New Zealand where he took up acting playing Kane Jenkins in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street from 2013 to 2015.

In 2017, Sāvae Keneti was cast in the lead role of Archie Andrews in Riverdale.

While wrapping up the last season of Riverdale mid this year, the actor announced that he will be heading back home to New Zealand.

Asked on the Ryan Show in 2019 whether his father’s title will be passed down to him, the actor said he is uncertain if he’s ready to take on the responsibilities of a Samoan chiefly title holder especially since he does not speak the language fluently.

The 25-year-old actor is in Samoa with his parents, fiancé and son, as well as friend and Riverdale co-cast, Charles Bo – They are staying at Taumeasina Island Resort.

He is also a musician who has received various awards including a Saturn Award, and nominations for an MTV Movie and TV Awards, two People’s Choice awards and two teen Choice Awards.

In film, Apa has also starred in A Dog’s Purpose (2017), The Hate U Give (2018), I Still Believe (2020) and in 2021, he released his debut solo album, the indie folk-rock album Clocks, which received attention on Spotify and Tiktok.