The migration already happened and now we're here.
Introducing Strictly Brown: A newly formed Pasifika Performing arts company telling original stories for the stage and screen. For us. By us. Always.
Leki Jackson-Bourke is a multi-disciplinary artist of Tongan, Niuean and Samoan descent. An award-winning playwright, choreographer, director and producer, Leki has spent more than 15 years creating original works for stage and screen that explore identity, language and culture through the lens of a New Zealand-born Pasifika creative.
Whether working with young people in a community hall or performing on stages around the world, Leki is interested in telling stories with true integrity - stories that spark conversation and create real impact.
In 2024, Leki received the Bruce Mason NZ Playwright Award, one of New Zealand's highest honours for playwrights.
Saale Ilaua is a Tongan/Samoan actor, musician, educator and the co-founder of Strictly Brown.
A graduate of Unitec School of Screen and Performing Arts, Saale has spent more than a decade using his skill in the arts to inspire and empower young people and communities.
As an actor, Saale's most notable roles were in the Auckland Theatre Company productions of 'Angels Reborn' and 'Red, White and Brass – The Play'. In the music scene, Saale is best known for his role as a vocalist in the multi-cultural music collective, Island Vibes Funk.
Full length recordings of each production are available upon request.
'Strictly Brown' honours the legacy of Kila Kokonut Kru and the generations who paved the way long before us. Our name was gifted by Vela Manusaute and Anapela Polata'ivao ONZM and also pays tribute to the Brown family & Mama Silika Brown. We carry the pride of our families & cultures forward with honesty & integrity.