Honourable Ve'ehala


Uiliami Leilua Vi known by his Tongan noble title Hon. Lord Veehala 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 Veehala and Mele Luisa 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, upon his father's death he was installed upon the noble title of Veehala 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 Eva-i-pomana Ulukalala, natural daughter of Hon. Lord Finau Ulukalala VI. They had two sons and one daughter
NameOccupationMarriageChildren
Hon. Lord Ve'ehala Director of Royal Tongan Musical Corps and
President of the Tongan Football association
He married Souna Havea had issue
and he married Suliana Halapio		1. Siulolovao Vi
2. Leilua Vi
3. Kaimani Vulangi Vi,
4. Simoa Vi,
5. Isileli Tupou Vi
6. Ana Pesi Vi
7. Afuha'amango Vi
8. Tapusala'ia
9. Pasemata
Vakautapola ViUnknownLinita Tulikifanga1. Tuitavake Fanga Vi
2. Manukeika-i-moana Vi
3. Makahokovalu Vi
Adi Pasemaca Tu'ipulotu Pau'uUnknownShe married Toni Kaihau Holani had issue
and she married Kali Taunisila		1. Liukaina Holani
2. 'Eva-'i-pomana Holani
3. Ma'ilei Holani
4. Tongiaki Holani
5. Toniseni Holani
6. Soa'ileata Taunisila