Latest news with #GeorgeFijiVeikoso

RNZ News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
George 'Fiji' Veikoso: The iconic voice that united the Pacific
George "Fiji" Veikoso was one of the Pacific's most beloved musical voices. Photo: Facebook / Homecoming Music Festival "I knew that it was that time" Those were the quiet words of Dave Stevens, one of George 'Fiji' Veikoso's closest companions. Stevens told RNZ Pacific he cared for the island reggae icon for "over a year" and was by his side in Suva when he passed away last Wednesday at the age of 55. Speaking from Suva, Stevens' voice quivered as he tried to find the right words to talk. "I'm feeling ok, at the same time I'm like, he knew it was his time to go, right now we don't have anything to say in terms of hearts are achin', but he knew his time was right." The Pacific has lost one of its most beloved musical voices. 'Fiji' was a the legendary artist known for blending soul, R&B, and island harmonies that redefined Pacific music. He is being remembered by fans and leaders across the region. His music spanned generations, with hits like 'Lonely Days' and 'Come On Over' becoming anthems not just in Fiji, but across the entire Pacific diaspora. To many, he was not just an entertainer; he was the soundtrack to family barbecues, long drives, heartbreaks, and homecomings. His passing marks the end of an era, as he now joins a pantheon of Pacific greats such as Daniel Rae Costello, another Fijian-born singer who died on 22 July 2019. George 'Fiji' Veikoso helped shape the sounds of Island reggae and R&B. Photo: ABC Pacific / Penina Momoisea Another one of his closest childhood friends Akuila Qumi said their relationship began long before Fiji catapulted into fame. "We were brought up in the same neighbourhood in Raiwaqa. I first heard of him when I was 13; he was much older." "As a person, he was very humble, very intelligent, a good brother. "He took off to Hawaii in the late 80s and came back in 1996 when his grandfather passed away. That's when we connected; he was staying over at my place. "Just an experience that I went through with him that sort of solidified our friendship, saying nah this guy is on another level, he's special," Qumi said. According to Qumi, Veikoso's grandfather instilled in him his Fijian roots. After the passing of his grandfather, Qumi and Veikoso experienced a supernatural phenomenon. "There was this experience I'd never forget," Qumi said. "Suddenly, the doors busted open, the curtains were parallel, there was a strong wind, I mean, I was freaking out, and then I was looking at [Veikoso] and he was staring up in the air, and there were tears in his eyes, going 'my grandfather's here to see me'. "So out of the blue this butterfly flew in and right in front of him, by that time the curtains were just parallel, waving out and then he told his grandfather that he would do his best, that he would honour him and take the music, take the culture out to the world. "When that happened, the butterfly flew out and everything went normal, so that kicked off his friendship and from then on I said this guy is special, he's got some mana with him, and he's gifted. So, over the years, I was fortunate to see him in his element." Veikoso was born in Fiji, and later moved to Hawai'i where his music career truly began, starting out as a member of the band Rootstrata in the 1980s, then eventually going solo, carving out a distinctive sound that blended reggae, soul, gospel, and island rhythms. Fiji released hit albums including 'Born and Raised' , 'Indigenous Life', 'Love and Roots', 'Xperience' and his last album 'Coconut Island' and 'Indigo' to name a few. Veikoso was a huge inspiration for local musicians in Fiji who would look forward to seeing him back on the island. One in particular is Big Wils, who described his first gig alongside Veikoso as a career-defining moment. "The last time I met him was last month, his cousin Dave was playing at the Crown Plaza, that was the last time and I didn't think it would be the last time" Big Wills said Veikoso was preparing for the upcoming 'Homecoming Festival' in Nadi this September. "He was talking about homecoming, about how excited he was, and how busy he was. We were all excited and looking forward to it. It's so sad to hear the news. Big Wills said everyone in Fiji is in mourning. "He put Fiji on the world map," he said. New Zealand Fijian poet and relative Daren Kamali said while the loss is painful, there's a sense of peace knowing Fiji had been unwell for some time. "When he's here in Aotearoa, he always has my name at the door. He said the family are all content that Veikoso is no longer suffering. "We are all sort of content he's now at rest now, he's been in pain a long time, although he didn't show it, he was actually suffering as well. "We're glad he's resting now". Fijian Prime Minister Sitveni Rabuka posted a tribute online, describing Veikoso as "one of the greatest musicians of all time". "I am saddened to learn of the passing of one of the greatest musicians of all time, George Fiji Veikoso a proud son of Fiji, a legend in his own right - his voice inspired so many across the Pacific and around the world. "A true ambassador of Fiji on the regional and international stage, his music inspired generations and his legacy will live on in the hearts of thousands of people. "On behalf of the government and the people of Fiji, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world, Rest in peace, Fiji." Rabuka wrote. New Zealand Labour Party deputy leader, Carmel Sepuloni reflected on her time with the late artist who impressed her with his extensive knowledge of Pacific history. She considered herself lucky to have shared moments with Veikoso who she nicknamed 'Porgy'. "Fiji is a legend to our whole pacific region and our pacific community, we've all spent many years as the backdrop to our lives. "We were fortunate to be in Samoa at the time of the homecoming concert there, I was there for work and we stayed on to spend time with George. "The thing many people didn't know about George is the man was like a historian he was incredibly intelligent, he knew about the history about our Pacific region, he was so good with our Pasifika languages. "He will be sadly missed, he was a great supporter and mentor to other Pacific musicians and I've heard and seen from so many of them, they're really feeling it right now. Sepuloni said that he will be greatly missed by many, and his passing marks a significant loss for the music industry. The last time Veikoso visited Aotearoa was during the Moana Pasifika match versus the Hurricanes, a game their team won. He was photographed celebrating with the team.


Pink Villa
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Who was George Fiji Veikoso? Exploring Life and Career of Polynesian Singer Amid His Untimely Demise at 55
Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of death. George Fiji Veikoso's sudden passing away at the age of 55 has shocked the music industry. The Polynesian singer breathed his last on July 23, and the unfortunate news was announced on social media. The post went on to describe the late musician as 'more than an artist—a voice of the people and a movement in himself.' While the cause of the singer's death is not yet revealed, tributes have begun to pour in for the music icon from his fans and fellow musicians. Who was George Fiji Veikoso? George Veikoso, born on May 10 in Fiji, had one of the most modest beginnings in the music industry. Before beginning his professional career as a musician, Veikoso was inspired by some of his singer relatives, including the late Sakiusa Bulicokocoko and Isireli Racule, and he began singing in the church. When the singer was headed for his first gig, it paid him only 5 dollars. George Fiji Veikoso's successful career in music The breakthrough moment in the late singer's career came in 1987, when he relocated to Hawaii due to the political instability in Fiji. He produced his signature sound, called the Lost Coast Sound, which was a fusion of reggae, R&B, jazz, and traditional Polynesian rhythm. Soon after creating his trademark sound, Fiji released his debut album, titled Evolution. The tracks released by the musician were marked as the turning point for Fiji's career. Some of Veikoso's popular songs include Lia, Smokin' Session, Sweet Darlin', Morning Ride, and Jowenna. The tracks went on to be so famous that they were played at weddings, road trips, and even funerals. Since the news of George Fiji Veikoso's passing surfaced on the internet, his fans have flooded social media tributes and paid their respects.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
George Fiji Veikoso death: Reggae icon leaves behind loving family and multi-million dollar legacy
George Brooks Veikoso, known across the Pacific and the world as Fiji, a pioneering figure in Island reggae and one of the most influential Polynesian artists of his generation, has passed away at the age of 55. The artist reportedly died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Widely referred to as The Voice of the Pacific , the singer's death has triggered an outpouring of grief and remembrance across the Pacific Islands, Hawaii, and the global reggae community. Social media tributes have flooded in since news broke that George Fiji Veikoso died on July 24, 2025. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Finance Leadership Degree Technology Healthcare MCA others Product Management Cybersecurity Operations Management Design Thinking Others PGDM Artificial Intelligence Project Management MBA Management Data Science Data Analytics CXO healthcare Digital Marketing Public Policy Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Also Read | Fiji singer death: Who was George Fiji Veikoso, and has the cause of death been revealed? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dolly Parton, 79, Takes off Makeup, Leaves Us With No Words The Noodle Box Undo Early Life and Musical Roots Born on May 10, 1970, in Buretu, Tailevu Province, Fiji, George Veikoso came from a musically inclined family. His uncles, including the late Sakiusa Bulicokocoko, were pivotal in shaping his early love for music. Fiji began singing in church choirs and performing in community events from a young age. These early years provided a foundation that would later make him a household name, as per a report by Leader Biography. Following political unrest in Fiji during the late 1980s, he moved to Hawaii in 1987, a turning point that catapulted his music career to international levels. Entry into the Music Industry Veikoso began performing with the Fijian band Rootstrata before embarking on a solo journey in Hawaii. By 1994, his debut album Evolution introduced his unique fusion of reggae, R&B, and island sounds. It was the 1996 release Born & Raised that transformed him into an icon. Songs like 'Lia,' 'Smokin' Session,' and 'Good Thing' became Pacific anthems. Live Events Over the decades, he collaborated with key artists such as J Boog, Maoli, and Tenelle, earning acclaim not just for his voice but for elevating Pacific Island music on the global stage. Legacy and Awards George 'Fiji' Veikoso was the recipient of multiple accolades throughout his career. He won several Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and was named Best Pacific International Artist at the 2014 Pacific Music Awards. In 2021, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to regional music. In 2024, he returned to Fiji for a historic two-day homecoming concert in Nadi that drew thousands of fans and government dignitaries. Personal Life: Family and Privacy Though a beloved public figure, George Veikoso Fiji singer , maintained a notably private personal life. While sources confirm that he was married and had children, the artist chose not to share specific details about his family in public. His social media focused on music, culture, and inspirational messages rather than his domestic life. He often expressed gratitude for his family and Fijian roots, crediting both for keeping him grounded despite international success. The Day the Music Stopped: How Did Fiji Pass Away? While an official cause of death has not been disclosed, close associates noted that the artist had been facing ongoing health complications, believed to be related to heart issues. The lack of official detail has not stopped fans and peers from honoring his life and contributions. Fellow musicians Kimie Miner and Kelly Delima were among the first to express their sorrow. 'It really hurt because I felt like I couldn't call on my mentor anymore,' Miner wrote. 'His legacy is so big, I know it will carry on forever', as quoted in a report by The Times of India. Global and Regional Tributes Following the announcement that George Fiji Veikoso died, tributes came pouring in from across the Pacific and beyond. The Fijian Prime Minister referred to him as a 'national treasure,' while Hawaiian officials praised his role in preserving and promoting native music traditions. Memorial concerts were immediately organized, with performances from regional stars such as J Boog and Josh Tatofi. Candlelight vigils took place in Suva, Honolulu, and other Pacific cities. Radio stations across the region aired 24-hour Fiji music marathons in his honor. Net Worth and Financial Legacy At the time of his death, George Veikoso's net worth was estimated between USD 2 million and USD 3 million, as per a report by The Times of India. His income streams included: Album and digital music sales Live performances and tours Licensing of music for films and TV shows (notably Baywatch: Hawaii ) Collaborations with regional and international artists He owned property in both Hawaii and Fiji and remained financially independent through decades of evolving musical trends. Cultural and Musical Influence Veikoso's unique style—melding reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and jazz with traditional Pacific elements—earned him a revered place in world music. He mentored numerous young musicians and was an outspoken advocate for Pacific unity and youth empowerment. He also made a cameo appearance in the Hollywood film Blue Crush and co-wrote the theme song for Baywatch: Hawaii . His catalog has since achieved more than 500 million digital streams, an extraordinary feat for any artist from the Pacific. FAQs Who was George 'Fiji' Veikoso? George Brooks Veikoso, widely known as 'Fiji,' was a legendary Polynesian singer, hailed as the Voice of the Pacific . He was a pioneering force in Island reggae, blending traditional Pacific influences with reggae, R&B, hip-hop, and jazz. When and where was Fiji born? He was born on May 10, 1970, in Buretu, Tailevu Province, Fiji.

RNZ News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
George 'Fiji' Veikoso dies aged 55 in Suva
By Lice Movono George 'Fiji' Veikoso helped shape the sounds of Island reggae and R&B. Photo: ABC Pacific / Penina Momoisea Fijian-born recording artist and Pacific music legend George "Fiji" Veikoso has died at the age of 55 in Suva, his family has confirmed. Best known for shaping the sound of Polynesian reggae and Island R&B, Veikoso spent more than 30 years in Hawai'i, where his music career took off and earned him global fame. He returned to Fiji in 2024 for his first-ever Homecoming concert, a sold-out event in Nadi that drew thousands of fans from across the Pacific, with a second concert planned for September this year. Veikoso had spoken publicly about his illness, which saw him perform in a wheelchair and continue touring despite ongoing health challenges. In a post shared by organisers of the Homecoming Festival, his team said: "As we deal with the immense sadness for our beloved George 'Fiji' Veikoso - a legend whose music united generations and whose spirit uplifted many around the world - we ask for your patience and understanding at this difficult time… Your voice will forever echo in our hearts, Fiji." Tributes are pouring in from across the Pacific, with fans and fellow artists remembering him as more than a singer; a cultural force, a mentor, and a voice for his people. Chair of the Fiji Performing Rights Association and fellow music legend Laisa Vulakoro paid tribute, calling it "a great loss for Fiji and the Fiji music industry." "He's the biggest artist that ever came out of Fiji and the Pacific," she said. "He made Fiji proud - his name is Fiji." Vulakoro said Veikoso's contribution went far beyond popularity. "He started something very distinctive - the way he combined Fijian music into reggae while keeping traditional themes… chants, vude, vanua, identity - he took Fiji music to another level. We all emulated him." Fighting back tears, she added, "He was an amazing, amazing human being. My biggest idol. I'm really, really sad today." George "Fiji" Veikoso leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. - ABC

ABC News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
George 'Fiji' Veikoso dies aged 55 in Suva
Fijian-born recording artist and Pacific music legend George "Fiji" Veikoso has died at the age of 55 in Suva, his family has confirmed. Best known for shaping the sound of Polynesian reggae and Island R&B, Veikoso spent more than 30 years in Hawai'i, where his music career took off and earned him global fame. He returned to Fiji in 2024 for his first-ever Homecoming concert, a sold-out event in Nadi that drew thousands of fans from across the Pacific. A second concert had been planned for September this year in Suva. Veikoso had spoken publicly about his illness, which saw him perform in a wheelchair and continue touring despite ongoing health challenges. In a post shared by organisers of the Homecoming Festival, his team said: "As we deal with the immense sadness for our beloved George 'Fiji' Veikoso — a legend whose music united generations and whose spirit uplifted many around the world — we ask for your patience and understanding at this difficult time… Your voice will forever echo in our hearts, Fiji." Tributes are pouring in from across the Pacific, with fans and fellow artists remembering him as more than a singer; a cultural force, a mentor, and a voice for his people. Chair of the Fiji Performing Rights Association and fellow music legend Laisa Vulakoro paid tribute, calling it "a great loss for Fiji and the Fiji music industry." "He's the biggest artist that ever came out of Fiji and the Pacific," she said. "He made Fiji proud — his name is Fiji." Vulakoro said Veikoso's contribution went far beyond popularity. "He started something very distinctive — the way he combined Fijian music into reggae while keeping traditional themes… chants, vude, vanua, identity — he took Fiji music to another level. We all emulated him." Fighting back tears, she added, "He was an amazing, amazing human being. My biggest idol. I'm really, really sad today." George "Fiji" Veikoso leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.