Latest news with #Fijian-Hawaiian
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
George 'Fiji' Veikoso, who co-wrote Baywatch Hawaii theme song, dies suddenly at 55. Fans call him 'G.O.A.T of island reggae music'
George Brooks Veikoso, better known to fans across the Pacific as Fiji, a legendary Fijian-Hawaiian recording artist and pioneer of Polynesian reggae, died on Wednesday. The 55-year-old artist breathed his last at his home, surrounded by his family. Veikoso was embraced by the Hawaii music industry as a top singer, songwriter, recording artist, producer, and mentor in the contemporary Hawaiian and reggae music genre. The Polynesian Music Network announced Veikoso's death with 'heavy hearts.' Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category healthcare Technology PGDM MCA Leadership Data Science Operations Management Others Public Policy Project Management CXO Cybersecurity Data Analytics Product Management Artificial Intelligence MBA Management others Healthcare Design Thinking Data Science Finance Digital Marketing Degree Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details 'He was a movement, a voice for the people, a light in the dark,' a statement on Facebook said. 'There was, and always will be, only one Fiji. His music wasn't just something we listened to.' ALSO READ: Extreme heat warning in 11 US states and record-high temperatures could be broken. Is yours on the list? Who was George Brooks Veikoso? Born in May 1970, George Brooks Veikoso moved to Hawaii in 1987 following the coup d'etat in Fiji. He released his first album in 1994 before co-writing the theme tune for Baywatch Hawaii. He released his first album 'Evolution' in 1994 and two years later, his second album 'Born & Raised' topped the charts, reports Daily Mail. Live Events George Brooks Veikoso 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. ALSO READ: Netflix's 'Building the Band' official winning group's name revealed. You won't believe the prize they received Fans pay tribute to George Brooks Veikoso Fans have paid tribute to the singer, who has been coined as the GOAT of island reggae music online. They took to social media to pay tribute to George following the news of untimely death. 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." 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.' ALSO READ: Was Elon Musk right? Trump caught in Jeffrey Epstein files' lie involving Pam Bondi 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'. "I don't want to believe it," one fan posted on Facebook. "I am so lost for words. The whole PASIFIKA IS MOURNING FOR YOU. The KING, The G.O.A.T of island reggae music." Damon Elliott, who produced the Grammy-nominated track Applause, said he had lost his best friend and big brother. "He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself," he wrote on Instagram. "He showed me nothing but kindness and love beyond I can't believe it. "I love you Fiji more than words." Elliott shared throwback snaps of the pair smiling. Days before his death, Veikoso promoted the 2025 Homecoming concert that is taking place in Fiji in September.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
George 'Fiji' Veikoso passes away at 55; Kimie Miner, Kelly Delima mourn the demise of the music icon
George Brooks Veikoso, better known to fans across the Pacific as Fiji, a legendary Fijian-Hawaiian recording artist and pioneer of Polynesian reggae, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 55. He breathed his last at his home, surrounded by family. A beloved figure in Hawaii's music scene, Veikoso was celebrated not just for his unmistakable voice but also for his deep commitment to the culture and people he represented. A gifted singer, songwriter, producer, and mentor, he played a vital role in shaping the sound of contemporary Hawaiian and island reggae music. The news of his passing has left a deep void in the music community. Artist Kimie Miner expressed her heartbreak as she took to her social media handle. 'His passing really devastated me. It really hurt because I felt like I couldn't call on my mentor anymore… but his legacy is so big, I know it will carry on forever," she captioned. Miner further added, 'He's so special and so loved by all of the artists of my generation. He was a mentor to all of us.' Longtime friend and fellow artist Kelly Delima shared a personal memory: 'In Fijian, brother means boso, so I would always say, 'I love you, boso.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo He would call me Big Brother and say, 'I love you, Big Brother.'' George 'Fiji' Veikoso, born on May 10, 1970, began his musical journey in church choirs before moving to Hawaii in 1987—a move that would shape his legacy. By 1994, his debut album Evolution introduced his soulful voice to the world, followed by hits like 'Lia,' ;Symphony of Love; 'Nasty'and 'Good Thing.' But it was his 1996 breakout album Born & Raised that turned him into an island music icon.
