Latest news with #Fiji
RNZ News
17 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Pacific musical giant 'Fiji' dies age 55
Tributes are pouring in from across the Pacific following the death of one of the region's most influential musicians. George 'Fiji' Veikoso a pioneer of island reggae passed away in Suva this week at the age of 55. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
RNZ News
18 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Pacific Waves for 26 July 2025
Pacific musical giant 'Fiji' dies age 55; ISA launches inquiry into The Metals Company; Bougainville woman minister confident of second term. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Economic Times
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Fiji singer death: Who was George Fiji Veikoso, and has the cause of death been revealed?
George Brooks Veikoso, widely known by his stage name Fiji, has passed away at the age of 55. The news of his untimely demise was confirmed on July 23, 2025, by Polynesian Music via social media, which described him as 'more than an artist — a voice of the people and a movement in himself.' The cause of his death remains undisclosed, sparking questions across the Pacific diaspora as fans ask: how did Fiji passed away? Born on May 10, 1970, in Buretu, Tailevu, Fiji, George Veikoso came from modest beginnings. Influenced by musical relatives, including the late Sakiusa Bulicokocoko and Isireli Racule, Fiji began singing in church before launching his professional career. His first gig paid just five U.S. dollars — a moment that marked the start of what would become a monumental musical journey. After political instability following Fiji's 1987 coups d'état, Veikoso relocated to Hawaii. It was there that he carved out his signature sound, a fusion of reggae, R&B, jazz, and traditional Polynesian rhythm, often called the 'Lost Coast Sound.' His debut solo album 'Evolution' marked a turning point, not only in his career but in the genre of island music at popularity skyrocketed as his music spread across the globe. In 1998, he won the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Favorite Entertainer of the Year. He later earned a Grammy nomination for the compilation 'Island Warriors.' His songs — including co-writing the theme for Baywatch Hawaii — captured the spirit of island life while reaching far beyond the Pacific. With over 500 million streams as of 2023, Fiji's discography resonated with both Polynesian natives and global reggae enthusiasts alike. Some of Fiji's most beloved tracks include: Lia Smokin' Session Sweet Darlin' Morning Ride Jowenna These songs weren't just music — they were part of communal experiences: played at weddings, funerals, road trips, and daily family life. There was, as fans often say, 'a Fiji song in every island playlist.' Polynesian Music, in its emotional tribute on Instagram, described Fiji as a 'light in the dark,' stating, 'His music wasn't just something we listened to. It was something we lived through.' Fans and fellow musicians have since flooded social media with condolences and memories, describing him as the "GOAT" — Greatest of All Time — of Pacific music. Many are still seeking clarity about how did Fiji passed away, as no official statement has been made public about the circumstances of his accolades extended beyond music awards. In 2014, he won the Best Pacific International Artist Award at the Pacific Music Awards. In 2021, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manukau Institute of Technology, further cementing his legacy. His work extended to cinema and television as well. Fiji made a cameo in the surf-themed Hollywood movie Blue Crush , and his voice became synonymous with Baywatch Hawaii , co-singing the theme Let Me Be The One with Glen Medeiros. While the announcement that Fiji died has shaken the Pacific community, his impact endures. His music continues to bring together generations and remains a bridge connecting Fijians at home and abroad. Colleagues in the industry lauded his role in opening doors for young Pacific Islander artists, calling him a standard-bearer for authenticity, soul, and cultural pride. Despite his larger-than-life persona on stage, George Veikoso was known for his humility and warmth in personal interactions. Friends and family recall his deep belief in music as a vessel for healing, connection, and spiritual grounding was evident not just in his lyrics but also in the way he lived — rooted in his culture, devoted to his craft, and endlessly generous in spirit. 'He gave us so much,' Polynesian Music's statement concluded. 'We will carry it with us forever.'George 'Fiji' Veikoso's death leaves a profound void in the global music landscape, particularly among Polynesian communities. His songs remain a testament to his message: resilience, unity, and love. As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, the sentiment remains clear — though Fiji died , his voice lives on. George Brooks Veikoso, popularly known by his stage name Fiji , was a celebrated Pacific Islander musician known for his fusion of reggae, R&B, jazz, and traditional Polynesian rhythms. Born in Buretu, Tailevu, Fiji, he later rose to prominence from Hawaii, shaping what came to be known as the 'Lost Coast Sound.' George Veikoso passed away on July 23, 2025. The news was confirmed by Polynesian Music via social media.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Renowned reggae artist Fiji, who co-wrote Baywatch: Hawaii theme, dies suddenly aged 55
Award-winning Fijian-Hawaiian recording artist George Brooks Veikoso, better known to fans as Fiji, has died at the age of 55. Veikoso, who co-wrote the theme song for the Nineties drama series Baywatch: Hawaii, died Wednesday in his homeland of Fiji, surrounded by family, local outlet Hawaii News Now reported. Born in Fiji on May 10, 1970, Veikoso grew up singing in church. 'The only place I could sing was in church, so every chance I could I'd sneak out,' he told the Honolulu Star Bulletin in 1999. 'I felt in my heart that I had something (to share), and all I needed was a stage. I got on every stage I could to make that dream come true.' He moved to Hawaii in 1987, where he became one of the reggae music industry's top singer-songwriters, recording artists, and producers. In 1994, he released his debut album, Evolution, which included hits like 'Lia,' 'Symphony of Love,' and 'Tuberi Au.' However, it was his second album, Born & Raised, released in 1996, that garnered him international fame. It included one of his most-listened-to tracks, 'Sweet Darlin'.' Veikoso later earned both the Hawaii Academy of Record Arts' Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Male Vocalist of the Year and Favorite Entertainer of the Year in 1998, further cementing his star status. At the 2014 Pacific Music Awards, he won the Best Pacific International Artist Award, and in 2021, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Polynesian reggae stream. Reacting to his death on Facebook, the Polynesian Music Network released a statement, remembering him as a 'beautiful soul.' 'A life so full, so meaningful. Fiji was more than an artist,' the statement said. '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. It was something we lived through. It was the soundtrack to our childhoods, our family parties, our car rides, our quiet nights, our celebrations, and our heartbreaks.' It continued: 'Fiji inspired artists across the world. He opened doors and set a standard for what it meant to be timeless, soulful, and real. His presence was larger than life, but his spirit was always grounded in love, truth, and connection. 'Thank you, Fiji, for your gift. For your music, your heart, and your legacy. You gave us so much, and we will carry it with us forever.'
Mint
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Who was Fiji? Renowned Fijian-Hawaii recording artist passes away at 55
Popular Fijian-Hawaii recording artist, George Brooks Veikoso aka Fiji, passed away on Wednesday. The highly regarded artist took his last breath in Fiji while he was surrounded by his family members, as per Hawaii News Now. He was reportedly 55. Reacting to the news of Fiji's death, American singer, musician Kimie Miner expressed her shock. The Hawaiian news portal quoted her saying: '(His passing) really hurt me because it just felt like I couldn't call on my mentor anymore, and he's not there anymore.' 'It made me so sad to know that he's gone, but his legacy is so big that I know his legacy will carry on forever," she added. Miner called Veikoso a mentor to the artists of her generation. 'He's so special and he's so loved by all of the artists of my generation, who loved him and cared about him and who he cared for... he was a mentor for all of us,' she further shared. Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Kelly Delima fondly remembered Veikoso and called him a brother. 'In Fijian, brother means Boso, so I would always tell them I love you boso,' Kelly said. 'He would always call me Big Brother, he said. I love you, big brother.' George Brooks Veikoso, better known as Fiji, was a celebrated figure in Hawaii's music industry. He was one of the top singers, songwriters, producers, and mentors in contemporary Hawaiian and reggae music. Born on May 10, 1970, he began singing in church as a child and moved to Hawaii in 1987. His music career began in 1994 with the release of his first album, Evolution. He rose to fame with hit songs like Lia, Symphony of Love, Nasty, and Good Thing. However, his breakthrough came from the 1996 album, Born & Raised that topped music charts, making him a music sensation. Fiji often headlined the annual Birthday Bash concerts alongside Kapena and performed throughout the Pacific Islands and the US West Coast. His live shows were known for their energy and cultural richness, often featuring native dancers and traditional Fijian drummers that got audiences on their feet. In 1998, he bagged two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for Male Vocalist and Favorite Entertainer of the Year. He went on to win several awards including Best Pacific International Artist Award at the 2014 Pacific Music Awards, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for his impact on Polynesian reggae music in 2022. Last year, Fiji hosted a special two-day concert in Fiji, titled FIJI HOMECOMING. The event also featured Hawaiian artists J Boog, Josh Tatofi, and Maoli.
