His parents were both musicians, and he learnt to play the guitar and saxophone at a young age.
In 1974 he met with Noel Tio; both Tui and Noel had known each other since 1958, so Noel Tio Enterprises Pty Ltd. became his Australian (only) manager for 11 years.
In 1972 he began his solo career, and returned home releasing two albums: Real Love and Oh Mum, as well as the Maori love song "E Ipo".
Tumanako "Tui" Teka better known by his stage names Tui Latui or Prince Tui Teka was a Maori singer and actor.
In 1959, Teka, Jonny Nicol, and Mat Tenana joined the Royal Samoans and Maoris. The band was later renamed Prince Tui Latui & The Maori Troubadours.