A new documentary about Samoan opera singer Pene Pati and his brother Amitai is set to premiere this weekend at the Sydney Film Festival. The film, titled Tenor: My Name is Pati, chronicles the remarkable journey of Pene Pati from a small, impoverished island in the South Pacific to the world's most prestigious opera stages.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Fame
Pene Pati was born in 1987 on the island of Upolu in Samoa. His parents, both nurses, moved the family to South Auckland, New Zealand, when he was three years old, seeking better opportunities. Despite their efforts, the family struggled financially, often sending money back to relatives in Samoa. Pati recalls going to school without food, but he never felt poor because everyone around him faced similar hardships.
From an early age, Pati and his siblings sang at a retirement home where their parents worked, performing hymns and popular songs for four hours every Friday night for 15 years. This experience laid the foundation for his future career in music.
Overcoming Doubt and Discrimination
Pati faced numerous obstacles on his path to becoming an opera singer. He was repeatedly told that Polynesian boys do not sing opera. One singing coach even told him that it was not in his blood and he would never succeed. Despite these hurtful comments, Pati persevered. He still has the emails proving the doubters wrong, but he chose to prove them wrong through his talent and determination.
His voice, described as rich, velvety, and full of sunshine, has captivated audiences worldwide. Conductor Marc Minkowski compared him to a rebirth of Luciano Pavarotti after hearing him sing. South African soprano Golda Schultz called him a beast of talent, and violinist Giulio d'Alessio considers him one of the best singers of his generation.
Family and Cultural Values
The documentary also explores Pati's relationship with his father, Pene Pati Sr., who could be strict. In the film, Pati speaks openly about the fine line between discipline and domestic violence, but he harbors no resentment. He wanted his father to feel forgiven and to know that he did his best.
Pati's Samoan culture places a strong emphasis on service and putting others first. This value led him to make significant sacrifices for his family. In 2009, after winning the NZ Aria award, he was invited to study at the Wales International Academy of Music. However, he used the funds from his trio, Sol3 Mio, to send his brother, cousin, and girlfriend to Cardiff instead of himself. He later turned down a prestigious fellowship at the San Francisco Opera to stay with the trio, only to audition again later and succeed.
A Life on Stage
Pati is now booked out until 2029, performing at venues such as the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Albert Hall. In May 2023, he received the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, one of France's highest arts awards. Despite his success, life on the road can be lonely. He and his wife, soprano Amina Edris, often perform in different cities, moving from hotel to hotel. Pati finds solace in the rush of excitement on stage, which he calls his home.
More than personal glory, Pati hopes to pave the way for future Pacific singers to chase their dreams without being mocked. The documentary Tenor: My Name is Pati screens at the Sydney Film Festival on June 6 and 8, with a cinematic release on July 24. Pati and Edris will perform together in Manon at the Wellington Opera, with shows already sold out.
