BYU–Hawaii senior blends Samoan roots with modern sound to inspire Pacific youth
Lueli Segi Jr., an artist from Samoa also known as Shyboe99 and a senior majoring in Pacific Island studies, shared music isn’t just a passion—it’s a cultural mission. “Using my talent, I help preserve the Samoan language, uplift Pacific Island values and inspire young listeners to embrace their roots,” he said. Through original songs written in Samoan and infused with traditional themes of respect, faith and identity, Segi said he hopes to help his generation stay connected to their heritage.
From primary songs to purpose
Segi said his love for music began in childhood, when singing Primary songs at church was the highlight of his week. “I always looked forward to going to church just so I could sing Primary songs with the other kids,” he said.
He said his musical taste evolved as he grew older, inspired by local artists like Mr Tee and Zipso. Among these musicians, he shared, Vaniah Toloa left the biggest impact. “His style and message spoke deeply to me about Samoan identity—our way of life and the role of a son in caring for parents and loved ones,” said Segi. He added he now seeks to blend different styles in his own compositions, incorporating elements from Island music and reggae to contemporary pop.
Initially drawn to rap, especially mumble rap for its storytelling, Segi said he wrote mostly love songs before serving a mission in California. “After I returned, I felt inspired to use music in a more meaningful way,” he shared. “I wanted to write songs that uplift people and speak to real-life challenges.”
Embracing language and identity
Serving a mission, Segi said, gave him a new perspective, especially as he met people from diverse backgrounds and witnessed the impact of words and messages. That post-mission shift, he shared, led him to reconsider the language he used in his music. “At first, I wanted to write in English because it’s a global language, but over time, I realized I was leaving out the people I grew up with—those who share my roots,” he expressed.
Inspired by Samoan artists like Mr Cowboy, Segi began writing and performing in his native language. “Listening to artists like him helped me see how powerful it is to share our culture through music,” he said. “I try to honor Samoan culture in my music through both language and message.”
His songs often include Samoan proverbs, cultural values like fa‘aaloalo (respect), and themes of family, faith and identity. “Whenever possible, I incorporate Polynesian sounds and rhythms to give my music an authentic island feel,” he shared.
Using my talent, I help preserve the Samoan language, uplift Pacific Island values and inspire young listeners to embrace their roots.
Uplifting the next generation
Segi said his music is meant to uplift not only personally but culturally. “I want my music to remind young Samoans and Pacific Islanders that their culture is something to be proud of,” he said. “In a world that often pushes us to blend in or forget where we come from, I hope my music helps them stay rooted.”
He shared everyone can be different, speak their language and chase their dreams without losing their identity. “If my music can inspire just one person to hold onto their values and walk with confidence, then I’ve done my job,” he said.
A brother’s view: Cultural pride through sound
Tautaisau Segi, Lueli Segi Jr.’s older brother and a BYUH alumnus with a degree in anthropology and cultural sustainability, said watching his brother’s musical journey has been powerful. “One moment that really stood out to me was when my brother served his mission in California,” he said. “He used that gift to share the gospel and bring hope to others. I still have a song he recorded, titled ‘Brother I’ll Follow You,’ saved in my files. It reminds me of how powerful his music is.”
While not a musician himself, Tautaisau Segi said he found ways to support his brother’s path. “As someone who studied anthropology, I’ve learned how powerful language is in preserving culture. Music is one of the strongest ways to keep our language alive,” he said. “Seeing him write in Samoan makes me so proud.”
Lueli Segi Jr. gained a new sense of confidence through embracing cultural themes in his music, Tautaisau Segi said. “He really stepped out of his comfort zone. He became more confident and more proud of who he is as a musician, a Samoan and a Polynesian,” Tautaisau Segi shared.
His brother’s music, according to Tautaisau Segi, is a form of cultural preservation. “It reminds people that our culture and stories matter, and that they should be recorded and preserved for future generations,” he said. “Through his music, he’s helping to preserve our language and stories—something our ancestors passed down orally.”
Whenever possible, I incorporate Polynesian sounds and rhythms to give my music an authentic island feel.
Looking ahead
Tautaisau Segi said he hopes his brother continues using music as a tool for inspiration and cultural pride. “He has the talent and heart to make a real difference, and I pray he never stops sharing that with the world,” he said. “Watching him lift our Samoan community through music has been inspiring.”
From childhood hymns to lyrical expressions of faith and heritage, Lueli Segi Jr.’s music is a bridge between generations, Tautaisau Segi said. Through melody and message, he continued, his brother is creating a space for Pacific voices to be heard and remembered.
From an audience’s perspective
Gafua Su‘a, a senior from Samoa majoring in political science, said she first met Lueli Segi Jr. in high school. “I didn’t pay much attention to his music until 2020, when a group of returned missionaries from the United States and Canada were quarantined together,” she shared. She recalled one song Segi and Elder Vaiaoga wrote about mothers that caught her attention. “I asked them to share it with me but later lost my Samsung phone where I saved it.”
“It still stands out as one of the most personal and moving songs I’ve heard,” she expressed. She said the song, though unreleased, reminds her deeply of her late mother, who passed away in 2016. Su‘a explained listening to it brings back memories of her mother’s love and sacrifices that shaped who she is today.
Su‘a said she believes Segi’s music blends heartfelt storytelling with core Samoan values like family, respect and resilience. She said his songs serve as reminders of the traditions and values her mother taught her. “It feels like a bridge connecting me to my heritage, my upbringing and the community I’m proud to be part of,” she shared.
She also highlighted the healing power of his lyrics for Pacific Islanders, especially those far from home or grieving lost loved ones. Su‘a emphasized the need for more music that inspires listeners to honor relationships, live with gratitude and remain connected to their identity regardless of where life takes them.