Creator Spotlight: Mikaele Oloa Shares His Polynesian Culture on TikTok

At TikTok, we are passionate about creators who educate others about their cultural traditions and celebrate their heritage with the TikTok community. In our Creator Spotlight Series, we feature top creatives who share their cultural experiences with the world. Meet @Maugamu, a 5-time World Fireknife Champion, Mikaele Oloa. Mikaele not only showcases his impressive skills but also teaches his community about his Polynesian culture and family. He shares his favorite Samoan dishes, highlights traditional 'tatau' techniques and accessories, and sheds light on his family and culture, all while educating his community. Discover more about Mikaele below as he delves into the significance of his heritage and how his time on TikTok has inspired him to become the best version of himself.

How has your culture influenced or shaped you?

My culture has shaped me by teaching me about the humble beginnings of our people. It has instilled in me a love and respect for everyone, as well as an appreciation for other cultures and upbringings.

How do you celebrate the diversity and strength of the API community?

I celebrate the API community by showcasing the amazing lifestyle of our people and sharing different ways to live off the land.

What does API heritage mean to you?

Being chosen as a representative of the API community is a great honor and blessing. We are all blessed with our own heritage and unique cultural practices. Despite being scattered across a vast ocean, we have all learned to survive off the land, love and respect one another, and share our alofa (love) with the world.

How has the TikTok community inspired you?

The TikTok community has inspired me to become a better version of myself. The support, positive messages, comments, and videos from my community motivate me to be more positive, grateful, and to create content that uplifts others. I am truly grateful for each and every one of my followers for their love and support.

How do you support other creators in the API community and who are some API creators that everyone should be following/watching?

I actively support other API creators by following their content and showing my support. Some other API creators worth following are: @shopkalenas, @kpohana, @lagioloa, @dontgofamily, @d10uce, and @polynesianpromoter.