KJ Apa Was Made A Samoan Chief

KJ Apa, who plays Archie Andrews on Riverdale, is not only an actor but the New Zealand born is actually half Samoan.

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Last year, KJ spoke about his heritage on an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! After Jimmy asked what KJ stands for, the actor said, “KJ is short for Keneti James, which is a Samoan name. I’m named after my father.”

Now, the matai title Savae was just bestowed upon him!

Last night, the 25-year-old shared a pic and some videos from the saofa’i (the cultural ceremony) in Moata’a. In the Instagram caption, he wrote,

“O la’u fautuaga – o le a ou tautua i le tatou aiga ma le tatou nu’u. Fa’afetai i le Atua. My goal is to serve my family and my village (Moata’a) Thank you God.”

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In Talamua, “O le a ou tautua” (I will serve) was the testimony he gave to his village and his family as he accepted his ‘ava.

The actor’s decision to “take on this step in accepting his Samoan heritage and culture as well as his new responsibilities,” was reportedly commended by the chiefs.