Teine o le U'amea A'asa

Marley Adam, known as "Teine o le U’amea A’asa" (The Girl of Burning Iron) carries a deep respect for her culture, a name that speaks to the fierce warrior spirit and unbreakable strength within her.

“Teine o le U’amea A’asa” showcases Marley’s identity and indigenous storytelling through cultural arts, not only through Siva Afi but also Siva Samoa, expressing her natural talent with every performance. Standing forged in fire by the unyielding grace of culture encompassing strength and resilience, she is a true testament to her bloodline of entertainers hailing from the villages of Vaito'omuli and Vailoa in Palauli, Samoa and her iwi Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Ngāi Tahu.

This project aims to provide Marley with greater opportunities to travel, perform, compete, and inspire others with her artistry. By supporting this initiative, you will help Marley ignite passion, lead with authentic integrity, and shine confidently on the Siva Afi stage.

She has already had the privilege of standing alongside incredible local talent from Wellington and Auckland in 2024 and 2025 at the Siva Afi Aotearoa Festival in Mangere placing second in the Intermediate mixed grade this year. Internationally she has competed twice at the World Fire Knife Championships in Hawai’i and Marley is fortunate to be returning to Brisbane, Australia on September 26 for the Toa Ole Afi Pati Levasa Fire Knife Competition where she placed second in the Junior girls grade last year. 

Your contribution will enable the fire in her heart to continue burning bright, not just for herself, but for everyone behind her every step, every spin, and strike of the knife and flame she represents. 

From her culture and the village of supporters who uplift and encourage her all the way from her hometown of Porirua, Wellington to the world!