When words fail, music speaks. That sentiment rings true for InsideOut band leader Apakuki Nalawa, better known as Kuki, whose first solo EP, “Noqu Vanua,” was released on June 28.
The Ra native from Vatukaloko describes the EP as a “lament for Fiji,” reflecting his personal struggles and calling for unity among Fiji’s youth. With over a decade of experience in the music industry, Kuki channels his grief over his father’s recent passing and his profound love for music into the heartfelt lyrics of this new album, creating an emotional impact unmatched by any local EP in recent years.
Kuki sees this milestone not as the conclusion but rather the beginning of bringing Fijian music to the world stage. For his followers, the question has not been why Kuki chose now to release his first solo album but why it took almost ten years for him to step into his spotlight.
“It is my nature to always put others first,” Kuki explained.
“As the leader of InsideOut and director of Resonance Fiji, I didn’t want to seem selfish by pushing my own agenda. Our vision with InsideOut was fueled by our passion for music and the desire to pursue it full time, which meant running it as a business. Once we had built up revenue, formed connections, and established relationships within the corporate sector, we set up Resonance.”
“When our financial security was in place, we pledged that after ten years we would return to our original mission. My brothers trusted me to lead, so we focused on an InsideOut album first. Once that was accomplished, I turned to my own album.”
Kuki dedicates the song “Maqu” to his late father, symbolizing both a personal tribute and a message for all fathers.
“‘Maqu’ is about my dad’s passing and serves as a tribute to all dads. It also highlights an unfortunate aspect of iTaukei culture; many families don’t express their love verbally. After my dad passed, I realized the importance of saying ‘I love you,’ something not normalized in our Fijian culture. I strive to change that with my children. Fathers play a crucial role in setting examples for their families, and the song aims to bring light to this responsibility.”
Nancy Nalawa, Kuki’s mother, and Losalini Nalawa, his sister, remembered Kuki’s evident passion for music from a young age, despite chiding him for making noise.
“He used to make noise in the house, but we knew he loved music,” they said. “Coming from humble beginnings, we are proud and happy for him.”
Mrs. Nalawa added that even though his father is no longer around, Kuki can always rely on God.
“I got all teary. We’ve been waiting for this song for a while,” said Losalini. “Our dad passed away in 2022, and shortly after, Kuki started creating the song but couldn’t complete it for some time due to the emotional difficulty. Kuki, the only boy among three siblings, was very close to our dad. Everything about the vanua and tradition was taught to him by our father. The song holds a lot of sentimental value and serves as a reminder to appreciate parents while they are still alive.”