Latest news with #Veikoso
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.
ABC News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
George 'Fiji' Veikoso: Voice of the Pacific
Fijian-born recording artist and Pacific music legend George "Fiji" Veikoso leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Best known for shaping the sound of Island 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. Fiji, who died at the age of 55 in Suva in July 2025, is remembered as more than a singer. He was a cultural force, a mentor and a voice for his people. This music special pays tribute to that legacy.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Host of NRL stars mourn the 'King of Island Reggae' who is credited for unifying the Pacific
A number of NRL stars have paid tribute to esteemed singer George Veikoso, who has died at his home in Suva, Fiji. Veikoso, 55, is widely known as the 'King of Island Reggae', with his musical influence and stirring voice resulting in global admiration. The likes of Spencer Leniu, Jamayne Isaako, Kodi Nikorima, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Viliame Kikau all posted separate Instagram stories once Veikoso's death was confirmed. Bulldogs second-rower Kikau labelled the performer the 'greatest of all time', which was echoed by Leniu, who is a Samoan international. Former NRL star Eloni Vunakece recalled once crossing paths with Veikoso in his native Fiji, and said the memorable experience will always be etched in his mind. 'They say you should never meet your heroes. But if you were lucky enough to meet George, you felt the love that emanates through his music [and] in one of his big warm hugs,' he said. Veikoso's death was announced by the Polynesian News Network, who said in a statement: 'He was a movement, a voice for the people, a light in the dark. His music wasn't just something we listened to.' Numerous fans took to social media to pay tribute to Veikoso, who was affectionately known as 'Fiji.' 'Man this one is tough. RIP 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,' one posted. 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. You will never be forgotten.' A third posted: 'Wow so young, thoughts and prayers to his family. 'Rest in peace to the king of Polynesian music.' Born in 1970, Veikoso 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 between 1999 and 2001. In 2021, Veikoso received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Polynesian reggae stream Veikoso also tried his hand at acting, appearing in the 2002 surfer film Blue Crush alongside Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez. In 2021, Veikoso received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Polynesian reggae stream. Health issues affected Veikoso's life in recent years, and at times he performed from a wheelchair. Laisa Vulakoro, Chair of Fiji Performing Rights Association, stated: 'He's the biggest artist that ever came out of Fiji and the Pacific. He took Fiji music to another level.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Singer George ‘Fiji' Veikoso Passes Away at 55
The music world is mourning the death of , the legendary Hawaiian singer. Veikoso captivated audiences as a reggae pioneer, songwriter, and producer who defined contemporary Pacific music. Since his debut in the 80s, Fiji's infectious rhythms and soulful voice have created an irreplaceable legacy. He gained popularity for 'Let Me Be the One,' the theme song of Baywatch Season 11. So, what happened to Veikoso? Here are all the details fans need to know regarding the same. George 'Fiji' Veikoso's cause of death explained As per reports, George Brooks Veikoso, better known by his stage name 'Fiji,' passed away at 55. According to Hawaii News Now, the artist was surrounded by family at the time of his demise. While there aren't many details regarding his untimely passing, reports claim the musician took his last breath in his home nation, Fiji. Many of Veikoso's colleagues came forward to pay tribute to his life and work. Singer Kimie Miner, who considered him her mentor, told the outlet, '(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.' Meanwhile, musician Kelly Boy DeLima called Veikoso his 'Boso', which means brother in Fijian. In an emotional Instagram post, he wrote, 'I have always been your biggest fan. You will be so missed. Love you, Boso. Til we meet again.' George 'Fiji' Veikoso began his music journey as a child and entered the industry in 1987 with the Fijian band Rootstrata. Political unrest forced him to move to Hawaii the same year. There, Veikoso had a new beginning as he released his debut album, Evolution, in 1994. It featured several hit tracks like 'Lia,' 'Good Thang,' and 'Symphony of Love.' Within two years of his first album, Veikoso earned the chart-topper status when he released the album Born & Raised in 1996. His impact as a true pioneer of the Pacific reggae scene got its true recognition through several awards. Veikoso received a Na Hoku Hanohano Award (1998), a Pacific Music Award (2014), and a Lifetime Achievement Award (2021). In 2024, he hosted the FIJI HOMECOMING concert, drawing thousands and featuring major Hawaiian artists. Originally reported by Arpita Adhya on The post Singer George 'Fiji' Veikoso Passes Away at 55 appeared first on Mandatory. Solve the daily Crossword
Pink Villa
6 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.
