Uiliami Leilua Vi known by his Tongan noble title Hon. Lord Veʻehala (1925–1986) was a Tongan nobleman best known as nose-flute player. He remains undoubtedly the most famous Tongan musician, both at home and abroad, and his recordings are still traditionally the first broadcast every day by Radio Tonga.
Background
He was born on March 23, 1925, in Nuku’alofa to Hon. Lord Veʻehala (Feleti Vi) and Mele Luʻisa Simoa Vi of Fahefa Estate, Tongatapu. He was educated at Tupou College and finishing off at Wesley College and Grammar School, Auckland, New Zealand. In 1946, after his father's death he was installed upon the noble title of Veʻehala and inherited the Fahefa estate. He was a governor of Ha'apai and Keeper of Public Records from 1948 - 1953, than from 1950 - 1968, he was the Secretary of Traditions Committee in Tonga.
Marriage and issue
He married ʻEva-ʻi-pomana ʻUlukalala, natural daughter of Hon. Lord Finau ʻUlukalala VI (Ha'amea). They had two sons and one daughter
| Name | Occupation | Marriage | Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hon. Lord Ve'ehala (Toluhama'a Tungi Vi) | Director of Royal Tongan Musical Corps and
President of the Tongan Football association (2002 – 2006) |
He married Souna Havea had issue (Divorced in 2002)
and he married Suliana Halapio no issue |
1. Leilua Vi,
2. Siulolovao Vi, 3. Kaimani Vulangi Vi, 4. Simoa Vi, 5. ʻIsileli Tupou, 6. ʻAna Pesi, 7. Maʻafu. |
| Vakautapola Vi | Unknown | Linita Tulikifanga | 1. Tuʻitavake Fanga,
2. Manukeika-ʻi-moana. |
| Adi Pasemaca Tu'ipulotu Pau'u | Unknown | She married Toni Kaihau Holani had issue (Deceased)
and she married Kali Taunisila |
1.Liukaina Holani
2.'Eva-'i-Pomana Holani 3.Ma'ilei Holani 4.Tongiaki Holani 5.Toniseni Jnr Holani |
Death
He died of unknown circumstances on November 26, 1986, and his son succeeded him as Hon. Lord Veʻehala.