The Homecoming Concert 2024 was an unforgettable experience that left attendees feeling enlightened and exhilarated. For those who missed it, there may be a sense of regret for not attending Fiji’s largest musical event since the performances of Lucky Dube and UB40.
This remarkable concert, titled ‘Two Steps Up’, attracted a diverse crowd to King Charles Park over two days, drawing people from every corner, including distant regions of the Pacific. While videos of George (Fiji) Veikoso and Maoli’s live sets circulated on social media, nothing compared to experiencing the concert firsthand.
When reflecting on the event, the stunning stage setup and lighting stand out, especially George Fiji Veikoso’s impactful entrance singing “Indigenous Life.” Attending the concert again would be a no-brainer; the exhilarating music reverberated through Nadi late into the night.
For attendees like the writer and her companions, daughter Milika and sister-in-law Miah, the concert was a moment of personal connection, linking them to their roots in Raiwaqa, Poji’s hometown. It was essential for them to experience the music live rather than from a distance.
Watching the beloved Fijian artist perform had been a long-cherished desire. Milika, unfamiliar with Nadi town, saw this concert as the perfect opportunity to witness one of Fiji’s greatest contemporary musicians perform in person.
The writer reminisced about Poji’s beginnings, recounting how he once faced hardships growing up in Raiwaqa and had to find ways to survive. Despite limited finances, he exhibited remarkable talent as a singer and became part of the legendary local reggae band Rootstara, as highlighted in a recent article.
Leading up to the concert, the writer had not planned for the event, thinking it would be held in Suva rather than Nadi. When she and her companions decided to attend, they faced financial challenges and necessity led them to organize a fundraising effort to secure their tickets, priced at $110 per person.
However, logistical difficulties threatened their plans. After gathering the necessary funds, they discovered that online tickets were sold out. Undeterred, they resolved to travel to Nadi in hopes of purchasing tickets at the venue. A crucial last-minute intervention came when a family member from Australia generously offered to cover their ticket costs, putting them back on track for the concert.
On the day of the concert, despite uncertainty about ticket availability, the trio embarked on a bus journey to Nadi. Arriving at their destination, they eagerly checked for ticket availability at King Charles Park. After a tense wait and growing anxieties amidst the crowd, success came when Milika triumphantly held three tickets in her hands.
The concert featured an array of fantastic food stalls, lively atmospheres, and a vibrant energy that made the experience all the more enjoyable. The event was hosted by Tofiga Fepulea’i from the Laughing Samoans, adding to the excitement of the night.
Reflecting on the experience, the writer and her companions deemed it all worthwhile, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the next Homecoming Concert in 2025, promising that they wouldn’t miss it this time. The lessons learned from this journey emphasize the importance of planning and initiative, ensuring they would be better prepared for future events.