If you’ve spent any time on PolyTok, Instagram, or just scrolling through your socials lately, chances are you’ve come across a familiar classic, but with a Samoan twist. The timeless track “Baby Come Back” by Player has found new life in “Baby Fo‘i Mai,” a Samoan cover by Romeo Toailoa Sabbath, better known online as Meo.
What began as playful covers on a recording app, made with just his phone and a pair of wired earphones, has turned into something bigger than expected. “Baby Fo‘i Mai” has struck a chord with listeners, capturing not just ears but hearts, the kind of track that, as the saying goes, “if you know, you know.”
Now officially released on all streaming platforms, “Baby Fo‘i Mai” is quickly cementing itself as a community favorite. Below, we share a special Q&A with Meo, the artist behind the viral hit that’s putting a Samoan spin on a global classic.
- For those who may not know you yet, can you please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background? Villages?
My name is Romeo Toailoa Sabbath. I was born in New Zealand and raised in Samoa, with roots in the villages of Lauli’i and Solosolo on my father’s side, and Falelatai and Vailoa Faleata on my mother’s. I’m a pastor’s kid. Both of my parents are church ministers and my faith, family, and culture are the foundation of everything I do.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Social Work from the University of the South Pacific, and while my professional journey has been grounded in service and community, my deepest passion lies in entertainment and media. I’ve been singing in church for as long as I can remember, and I always knew I wanted to one day make music and be involved in the performing arts.
Over the years, I’ve also had the privilege of hosting television and radio shows, and emceeing community events — opportunities that helped shape my voice and strengthen my connection with people. I’ve built a following on social media by creating funny and relatable content across TikTok and Instagram, which has grown to a combined audience of over 100,000. But through every platform and project, music has always remained my constant.
- When and how did music start playing a role in your life?
My first introduction to music came from my grandmother and mum, who taught me my very first song — “Le Taualaga a Solomona.” I performed it in church, and that moment became the first of many. I grew up singing in church and became the worship leader for our church band at just 12 years old. By 13, I had already discovered a deep love for songwriting.
Growing up in Samoa, the opportunities for artists to develop and share their talents were very limited, with little reach beyond the islands. I took part in several local singing competitions and was fortunate to win a few, but deep down, I always carried a dream of making music on a larger scale. The passion was always there — I just didn’t have the resources or opportunities to fully pursue it.
- Let’s talk about your recent release, “Baby Fo‘i Mai,” a Samoan twist on “Baby Come Back.” What inspired you to reinterpret that classic in Samoan?
I only recently started making music using a mobile app I discovered on my phon literally just me, my wired earphones, and a bit of curiosity. My first Samoan cover was a song called “Theresa,” which was a playful spin on the Egyptian hit 3 Daqat. It actually began as a joke. I was known on TikTok for creating funny, satirical content, and this was just another lighthearted video. But to my surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive. People connected with it and started asking for a full version.
At the time, I had only written the first verse and chorus, but the support pushed me to finish the song in just two days. I posted it half expecting mixed reactions, especially since there’s often criticism when Samoans translate every song under the sun but “Theresa” took off. It trended on social media and was even played on the radio.
After that, people kept asking for more Samoan covers. A few months later, I was sitting in traffic listening to one of my all-time favourite songs, “Baby Come Back.” Out of boredom, I challenged myself to come up with Samoan lyrics for the chorus. Within ten minutes, I had fully translated it into what would become Baby Fo’i Mai. I quickly typed it into my notes, and the moment I got home, I pulled out my phone and got to work.
- What was the most memorable part of bringing this release to life? And are there any people you’d like to shout out or thank for being part of the journey?
For me its the creative process, between the writing, the recording and the production. Its very therapeutic to me. I have never been an extremely tech savvy person, so once I studied and understood how the app worked I felt like I was Michael Jackson. People are always surprised when I tell them I record on my phone with a pair of wired earphones. As someone who didn’t have any opportunities or access to resources that would have helped me explore my passion, I made an opportunity for myself and thankfully to social media, I have a platform to show my work. I want to thank all my supporters for encouraging me and constantly pushing me to release music and keep going.
- The reception to the snippet was huge. What was going through your mind when you saw all the love and requests for a full version?
I thought to myself “this is Theresa all over again”. But there was always a voice in the back of my mind saying this was going to flop and the online audience were going to grill me for touching such a timeless classic. But yet again, I was pleasantly surprised and completely humbled by the reactions. I knew what the people wanted and what I needed to do. So a week after I posted that snippet, I released the full song on youtube.
- Translating a well-known English hit into Samoan is no easy task. Can you walk us through your process, lyrically and emotionally?
I’ve found that translating songs from English to Samoan is much more challenging than the other way around. The English language offers a wide range of words and expressions, which makes it easier to craft lyrics that flow naturally and poetically. Samoan, while rich and beautiful, can be more limited in vocabulary and sometimes quite wordy when trying to express a single idea. If I were to translate a song word for word, it wouldn’t sound as smooth or musical. The key, I’ve learned, is not to translate the lyrics literally, but to capture the essence and emotion behind them to preserve the meaning rather than the exact wording.
- What do you think it is about “Baby Fo‘i Mai” that resonates so deeply with listeners, especially within the Samoan community? What do you hope people feel when they hear “Baby Fo‘i Mai”?
I think people already have a deep love for the original song, so hearing it performed in our own language makes it feel more personal it hits differently for the Samoan community. It’s no secret that we Samoans love our Samoan covers, and this one just found its way onto the fob playlist with the rest.
With Baby Fo’i Mai, I hope listeners can appreciate the thought and craftsmanship behind the translated lyrics, especially when compared to the original English version. More than anything, I want the song to bring good vibes something light, happy, and easy to vibe to. And who knows, maybe it’ll even help patch up a few rocky relationships along the way lol.
- What’s one reaction or message you’ve received that really stuck with you?
I remember seeing comments like, “I usually can’t stand Samoan covers, but I really enjoy this,” or “This is the only guy allowed to make Samoan covers.” That meant a lot, especially considering the stereotype that Samoans translate every song often with a negative connotation. I’m proud that I was able to shift some of that perception and show that there’s real creativity and artistry behind what Samoan artists can do.
- Do you feel like this creative journey is unlocking something new in you?
This experience has definitely fueled my passion to keep making music not just for the sake of creating, but to keep growing and elevating my artistry. One day, I hope to record in a professional studio and collaborate with a skilled producer who can help bring out the best in me. I want to reach my full potential and offer the highest quality of music I can create.
- If you could dream up your next musical moment, a collaboration, a live performance, a video… what would that look like?
More than anything, I just want to keep making music. For now, I’m content with my phone and earphones, it’s humble, but it works. Still, I’m hoping to collaborate with producers in the near future. They don’t have to be big names; I’m more focused on consistency, growth, and building something real. Live performances and everything else can come later. Right now, this plane has only just left the runway, and I’m doing everything I can to make sure it soars.
- If you had the world’s attention for a moment, what’s something you’d want to say or leave behind, any wisdom, encouragement, or truth?
It’s never too late or too unrealistic to dream big and go after it. With Christ at the center of your life, all things are possible.
- Anything else you’d love for people to know or for us to share on your behalf? We’re all about supporting your journey and are more than happy to help however and wherever we can.
Follow me on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for new content. I’m also open to collaborations with artists and producers who would like to create and explore — I would love to work together with new artists such as myself.
With “Baby Fo‘i Mai,” Meo has done more than reinterpret a classic, he’s shown what happens when creativity meets culture and community. From humble beginnings recording on his phone to a song now streaming worldwide, his journey reflects resilience, heart, and an undeniable passion for music.
And as Meo himself reminds us:
“It’s never too late or too unrealistic to dream big and go after it. With Christ at the center of your life, all things are possible.”
Follow Meo on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for new music, content, and collaborations. If “Baby Fo‘i Mai” is just the beginning, then we can’t wait to see where this story goes next. @meo_sabb
