Latest news with #GeorgeVeikoso
ABC News
5 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Jubilation at the International Court of Justice's historic climate ruling
A roundup of major stories from across the region and the people involved and affected by them. On the program this week: Celebrations across the region after the world's highest court declares states have a legal obligation to combat climate change. Concerns in Palau at a draft agreement with the United States to have the tiny nation accept asylum seekers while their refugee claims are assessed. Music lovers are mourning the death of one of the Pacific's biggest music stars, George "Fiji" Veikoso, who shaped the sound of Polynesian reggae and Islands R&B over three decades. Tourism operators and international visitors in Tonga are angry after the country's only domestic airline was grounded for several days during peak holiday season. Guam has been transformed into a key staging ground for the largest U.S. Air Force exercise in history that experts say is aimed squarely at one country. And it was expected to be a walkover but a hastily pulled together group of First Nations and Pacific rugby players say pride spurred them on to thrilling performance against the British and Irish Lions.
RNZ News
5 days 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.
Yahoo
6 days 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.'
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Singer George 'Fiji'Veikoso who co-wrote Baywatch Hawaii theme song dies aged 55 as heartbroken fans pay tribute to 'king of Polynesian music'
The musician who composed the theme for Baywatch: Hawaii, George ' Fiji ' Veikoso, has died at the age of 55. 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'.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Singer George ‘Fiji' Veikoso who co-wrote Baywatch: Hawaii theme tune dies suddenly at 55 as fans pay tribute to artist
THE artist George Veikoso, who was known for co-writing the theme tune of Baywatch: Hawaii, has died at the age of 55. Fans have paid tribute to the singer, who has been coined as the GOAT of island reggae music online. 2 Singer George Veikoso has died Credit: Facebook 2 Veikoso, in the wheelchair, was described as the GOAT of island music Credit: Instagram Veikoso, born in Fiji, died on Wednesday surrounded by his family, as reported by the CBS affiliate The Polynesian Music Network announced Veikoso's death with 'heavy hearts.' '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.' Veikoso was born in May 1970 and 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. Baywatch Hawaii was filmed on the island between 1999 and 2001. He also appeared in the 2002 movie Blue Crush, which featured stars such as Kate Bosworth, Sanoe Lake, and Michelle Rodriguez. Most read in Celebrity Tributes have been paid to Veikoso. "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. Read more on the Irish Sun More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos . Like us on Facebook at
