Coming home to her roots, young American-Tongan singing star Dinah Jane Hansen (19) took up paddling an outrigger canoe today, July 20, with the Tu’i Tonga Mafua and Tu’avivi Teams of the Nuku’alofa Outrigger Canoe Club at Faua Wharf in the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa. Dinah is visiting Tonga for the first time with her mother Milika.

Tongan royals Hon Fanetupouvava’u Tu’ivakano and Hon Halaevalu Moheofo Tuita, who are both avid paddlers, said they invited Dinah to come paddling in Tonga.

Admired for her powerful yet beautiful voice, Dinah has won millions of fans as a member of the 'Fifth Harmony', a five-piece girl group formed in the second season of the show 'X-Factor USA' in 2012. The group which has gone on to record hit singles and a gold album has just finished the South American leg of their 7/27 tour and were routed to New Zealand.

“I thought that I might as well make a stop here in Tonga," said Dinah.

Her father Gordon Hansen, is of Tongan-Danish descent from Vava’u, while her mother Milika's Tongan roots are Ha’ateiho and Fo’ui in Tongatapu.

“It’s so amazing to be here in Tonga after hearing many stories while growing up from my grandparents and my dad who was born and raised in Vava’u. Hearing these stories inspired me to visit," she said.

Dinah said being a member of Fifth Harmony is an amazing experience but she aims to be humble about her success. “I always have to remember and remind myself that I am not only representing me but my family, my culture and my religion.”

Her mother Milika said Dinah, the eldest of seven siblings grew up in Santa Ana, California.

"It is definitely humbling to come back to our roots because we take a lot of things for granted back home. We talked about how she felt coming to Tonga, which has definitely put a bigger perspective in her life. She is learning more about her culture and this is the first of many visits."

Dinah and her mom who arrived on Saturday, 16 July have met with family and fans. They depart Tonga on Thursday, 21 July. Fifth Harmony will be headed next on their North American leg of their tour.

Fifth Harmony won Group of the Year at the 2015 Billboard Women in Music awards. It is reported that with around 7.5 million certified records sold, it has emerged as the most successful alumni of the X Factor U.S franchise. Popular singles include 'Work from Home' and 'Worth it'. The group has also performed at the White House and debuted in Japan and South Korea.