Singer George 'Fiji'Veikoso who co-wrote Baywatch Hawaii theme song dies aged 55 as heartbroken fans pay tribute to 'king of Polynesian music'
George passed away on Wednesday surrounded by his family on the island nation of Fiji where he was born, according to Hawaii News Now.
His death was announed by the Polynesian News Network who said in a statement: 'He was a movement, a voice for the people, a light in the dark.
'There was, and always will be, only one Fiji. His music wasn't just something we listened to.'
Born in 1970, George grew up singing in church and moved to Hawaii in 1987.
He released his first album, Evolution, in 1994 while his second, Born & Raised, topped the charts in 1996.
The musician co-wrote the theme tune for Baywatch Hawaii - which starred Jason Mamoa - and was filmed on the island from 1999 to 2001.
He also tried his hand at acting, appearing in the 2002 surfer film Blue Crush alongside Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez.
In 2014, he was awarded the Best Pacific International Artist Award at the Pacific Music Awards.
In 2021, he accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Polynesian reggae stream.
Fans took to social media to pay tribute to George following the news of his passing.
They wrote: 'Man this one is tough. RIL George 'Fiji' Veikoso. Thank you for blessing the world with your voice and your music. One of the most talented Polynesian artists to ever do it. Your sound, your soul, your legacy will live on.'
Fans took to social media to pay tribute to George following the news of his passing
Another added: 'George 'Fiji' Veikoso has passed on. A true son of Fiji. Your melodies will always remain a timeless echo of your passion, your talent and the beauty you shared with the world.
'Thank you for the songs, the memories, and the inspiration. You will never be forgotten.'
Others added: 'Wow so young, thoughts and prayers to his family'... 'Dang! So young too'... 'Wow, so young!! RIP'... 'Rest in peace to the king of Polynesian music'.
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