KJ Apa of ‘Riverdale’ becomes a Samoan chief

Following his participation in a customary ceremony, KJ Apa is now recognised as a Samoan chief.

The “Riverdale” actor shared the information on Instagram on Wednesday by posting a photo of himself attending the ceremony in the Samoan village of Moata’a on the island of Upolu. In the CW series, Apa portrays Archie Andrews, the main character.

The 25-year-old was given the Samoan chief title of Savae in front of village elders, according to the local news website Talamua.

“O le an ou tautua I le tatou aiga ma le tatou nu’u, o la’u fautuaga. Fa’afetai I le Atua, which roughly translates to “Thank you God,” is what Apa wrote in the caption. “My goal is to serve my family and my village (Moata’a).”

According to the source, the chiefs applauded Apa’s decision to further embrace his Samoan heritage and the duties associated with the position. Tupa’i Keneti, Apa’s father, is another chief.

According to the New Zealand Herald, Apa made a statement in Samoan at one point during which he wished his tribe and everyone attending the event God’s blessings.

According to the outlet, he also took off the traditional clothing he was wearing and gave it to the village elders as a custom.

Insider’s request for comment was not immediately answered by Apa’s representatives.

Apa has previously spoken candidly about his Samoan ancestry. He discussed his family with Vulture in 2017.

“I come from a large Samoan family. And a huge part of my life has always been shaped by Samoan culture “Apa said to the publication.

“On my father’s side, I have a sizable number of relatives who reside in Samoa and New Zealand. Since I was a little child, the culture has just been all around me.

My sisters and I really used to speak Samoan, but we’ve all sort of forgotten.”

During a February 2021 visit on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Apa also discussed his name and father.

“The abbreviation KJ stands for Keneti James, a Samoan name. I was given my name after my father, who holds the matai title (chief title) for the Samoan town of Moata’a, where both he and I originate.”

Apa continued that his father received his chief title after his grandfather died. Apa said that he didn’t feel “sufficient” when asked whether he would also become chief.

“I’m not sure. I am not a Samoan speaker. It seems like a great duty to me. Since I question myself in practically everything I do, I don’t really feel up to being really honest “said he.