Latest news with #PolynesianReggae
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- 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
24-07-2025
- 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'.
ABC News
24-07-2025
- 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.
