As the Fijian music scene aims for global recognition, local artists of all ages are fostering unity and collaboration while maintaining a healthy spirit of competition. A prominent example is 22-year-old Aisea Buliruarua from Lomaiviti, a former member of the group Paradise Roots, who is determined to realize his potential by following the advice he’s received—to believe in himself, even in solitary moments.
“Since my entry into the music industry, my family and veteran musicians have encouraged me to trust in my abilities,” Buliruarua shared. “Throughout my childhood, I never missed family gatherings because I always knew a band would be performing. From those early experiences, I aspired to perform with a band myself.”
His dream became a reality upon joining Paradise Roots, a move that he cherished. “A friend, Benjamin Amori, suggested an audition to me. The band’s manager, Setareki Baleirara, then offered me a chance to showcase my talent.”
His affinity for music blossomed in Sunday school, where he learned to play the guitar and ukulele at the age of 14. Music has been a significant part of his life from the very beginning. “My family has always been musically inclined; it all began at home,” he noted.
Buliruarua is also a distant relative of the members of Voqa ni Delai Dokidoki, a band that gained fame in the early 2000s with hits such as “Au mai Vakila” and “Sereki na Rarawa.” The band received the Best Performer Award in 1981, while musician and composer Temo Soko Lote won the Best Composer Award the following year. During grog sessions, the band would play sigidrigi, and Buliruarua felt a musical connection with them, which helped him discover his voice.
“Like many others, I grew up listening to Dokidoki, but for me, it was a unique experience. I observed how they created music, listened to their songwriting process, and performed alongside them at family events,” he explained. “That inspired me to achieve what they had in the music industry.”
With the rise of the internet, Buliruarua believes it has significantly impacted the music industry by providing platforms for artists to showcase their talents. He expressed his hope for the Fijian music industry to flourish, allowing him more opportunities to display his musical abilities.