Artist: Molo Try
Villages in Tonga: Pahu, Halafo’ou (Tahi Mate)
Favorite Tongan Proverb: ‘Akau Tu’u Ve’e Hala
Where are you currently based: Riverside, California
Go-To Tongan dishes: Kolukalu (totoka and ma’anu) & Lu Sipi
If you had to describe the journey of making this song and video (Take Me Home) in three words, what would they be? ‘OFA MO’ONI MELINO
There’s something deeply powerful about going back to where it all began. For Tongan artist Molo Try, that place is home and in his latest single “Take Me Home,” he invites us into that sacred space, offering a deeply personal reflection on faith, family, and identity.
More than a melody, the track stands as a personal testimony and a whispered prayer. A love letter to Tonga and to everyone who’s ever longed for a better tomorrow. Accompanied by stunning visuals filmed in the Kingdom of Tonga itself, “Take Me Home” is rooted in memories of a humble upbringing, framed by the beauty of the homeland, and lifted by the unshakable belief in something greater.
What is the song about?
Molotry:
Ko ‘eku talanoa pe mo e Manatu melie ki he tutupu hake he kei iiki, ‘o sio Tonu he Masiva mo e to nounou ka e faka feta’i ko e ‘Otua ‘Ofa
Ke ne ‘Omi ha tamai mo ha fa’ee Loto To’a
Ke na hoko koe Fohe ‘uli he ngaahi fononga ‘anga kotoa
Hala ke ‘I ai ha ‘amanaki ‘e fai ha tuku Folau ko e kumi si’a KAHA’U lelei ma’ae famili
Taimi lahi ‘osi fiema’u keu li e tauveli
Ka koe manatua fanga ki’i mata ki Tonga, Eiki
‘O hoko ai pe koe faka lotolahi Kiate au
Ki he ngaue kotoa pe ‘oku fai
Neongo e mokosia la’aina mo e hela’ia
Taimi lahi ‘oku ou Kole mau pe
Ki he famili, siasi mo e ngaahi maheni
Kenau ‘ofa pe mu’a ’o si’i faka kau atu pe au ‘i he enau houa lotu kotoa pe
He ko e me’a faka lata kete toe foki
Ki api o feiloaki mo kinautolu hono kotoa
‘I he funga ‘o e ‘Ofa mo e melino
Pea ko ‘eku faka loto lahi ia
Ki he fanga Tokoua, fanga tuofafine, ka e pehe ki he Tonga kotoa
Tenau Fanogo he fasi ni
Tau pine’i pe he ‘oku to e tekihi pe pea tau a’u ki he Laine
(English Translation):
It’s simply my story and sweet memories of growing up with very little, witnessing hardship and struggle firsthand, but also seeing how a loving God stepped in to bless me with a strong father and mother.
Together, they became the paddles that helped me navigate every tough journey.
A path was made where there was once no hope.
A voyage was taken to search for a better future for the family.
So many times, I had to fight through battles.
But I always remembered the faces of those back home in Tonga, Lord.
And that gave me courage in everything I did
Even in the midst of exhaustion, darkness, and brokenness.
Often, I would just pray for my family, my church, and those close to me
That they would continue to love first, and count me in during all their everyday prayers.
Because at the end of the day, my heart longs to return home,
To see them all again in a space filled with love and peace.
And that’s the courage I offer to my brothers and sisters
And to all Tongans who will hear this song:
Let’s keep pushing forward, we’re almost at the finish line.
Why did you return to Tonga to film the video?
Molotry:
He’ikai toe ‘I ai ha feitu’u lelei ia ‘I he fo’i kolope ke ne faka matala’i e Visone ‘o e ki’i Fasi ni ka ko e tupu’anga pe (TONGA)
Pea ‘oku ou fiefia pe ke sio mai si’oku kaunga fononga moe kau POUPOU ki hoku kamata ‘anga mo e Faka’ofo’ofa e ki’i fonua
Ne fo’u mo fatu ai HOTO kita
Molotry (English Translation):
There’s no better place on this planet to visually bring this song’s message to life than where it all began… TONGA.
And I’m proud to have my fellow travelers and supporters witness the start of it all,
Set against the beautiful backdrop of a land that helped create and shape WHO WE ARE.
What has it been like creating music independently and self-funding everything?
Molotry:
Ko hono mo’oni ne faingata’a e kamata he me’a ni
Pea lahi e tokolahi ne nau Tapalasia e feinga ni
Pea a’u ki ha taimi Kou fetalaki ai mo ha ki’i ni’ihi
Leka pe ‘oku Nau POUPOU mo sai’ia ‘I he me’a ko e ni kou faka hoko
‘O nau tokoni mo teke au
Ki he tafa’aki oku toe lelei ange
Molotry (English Translation):
The truth is, starting this journey wasn’t easy.
A lot of people doubted and tried to shut down what I was building.
But then came a time when I crossed paths with a few people,
people who truly supported me and believed in what I was doing.
They helped me, pushed me, and guided me toward something even greater.
A Message in the Music
For Molo Try, “Take Me Home” is more than a song, it’s his powerful and moving reminder to the Tongan people to never forget where they come from and to never give up on where they’re going. With visuals that breathe life into every lyric, and a voice that carries both pain and peace, where some make noise, Molo Try makes meaning. His sound is the blueprint of a legacy in progress.
The experience of filming the music video added another layer to that meaning.
“My hope is that this video brings people closer to culture, creates connection, and sparks meaningful memories for everyone who hears it,” shares Julz Garcia, the filmmaker behind the visuals. “Filming Molo Try’s Take Me Home was an unimaginable few weeks full of beauty, emotion, and moments that’ll stay with me forever. It was more than just a project; it was an experience I’ll always be grateful for.”
His story echoes the story of many, those who leave home to chase something more, yet always carry their village in their heart. And in a world that constantly changes, “Take Me Home” is a moment of stillness, a spiritual return to everything that matters most.
CREDITS
Presenting Take Me Home by Molo Try, a special project brought to life through the collective talents and support of many. Grateful for the hands and hearts that made it all possible:
- Film by: julzz.garcia, 42storiesmedia
- Producers: prodbysprout, ntgotbeats, pana.otb
- Cover Art: txniz_
- Support & Backing: ofastho, precise, sakeitaukolo, manoamedia, crcc_thafilmmaker, nusi_red_615, siuivahamamao
With special thanks to: tourismtonga, radionukualofa, johnpulu, guttenbeilr (Miss Heilala, Racheal Guttenbeil)
