Ratu George “Fiji” Veikoso was farewelled at Vodafone Arena in Suva as his son, Shilo Veikoso, delivered a heartfelt eulogy that painted a portrait of a father who was larger than life.
Speaking to a packed arena, Shilo described his father as “an interesting man” who “wore many hats” and was “many things to many people.” He told mourners that, to him, his father was “sort of like Superman… one day he’s here, the next day, he’s across the world doing whatever he wants. But the one thing that he always told his kids was, no matter what, I am always there.” Shilo said he once assumed his father meant physical presence, but later realised the promise referred to spiritual support.
Shilo paid tribute to the values his father lived by and passed on: faith, self-reflection and family responsibility. “No matter whatever I did in life, no matter how much any of the kids messed up, he would always make us solve it on our own and make us come back to him and self reflect,” he said. He added that walking with the Lord and considering how one’s actions affect others were principles the family holds “near and dear.”
He also thanked those who had travelled from afar to attend the farewell and closed with an emotional message to his father: “I love you, and on behalf of all the children, we love you so much, father, Aloha.”
Ratu George Veikoso passed away on July 24, 2025. The public requiem at Vodafone Arena preceded a burial in his ancestral village of Buretu, Tailevu, following longstanding Fijian customs. The ceremony was livestreamed for fans and communities across the Pacific.
Tributes have come from across Fiji and beyond, with national leaders and fellow artists praising Veikoso’s role as a cultural ambassador who blended traditional Fijian sounds with contemporary genres. His music and mentorship left a lasting influence on generations of Pacific musicians and fans.
Notes for publication and editorial additions
– Include the official livestream link (FIJI The Artist YouTube channel) and embed code so readers who missed the service can watch.
– Add practical details for attendees and viewers: recommended arrival times, seating arrangements (ground floor reserved for family), procession route, and time-zone notes for international viewers.
– Enhance the piece with a photo gallery from the Vodafone Arena service and a curated playlist of Veikoso’s iconic tracks to celebrate his legacy.
– Consider a sidebar with notable tributes (for example, statements from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and fellow musicians), and details of upcoming commemorative events such as planned Homecoming Festival tributes.
Brief summary
At the Vodafone Arena funeral for Ratu George “Fiji” Veikoso, son Shilo delivered an emotional eulogy emphasizing his father’s spiritual presence, family values, and insistence on self-reflection. Veikoso, who died on July 24, 2025, was honoured by family, fans and leaders in a public requiem before burial in Buretu.
Hopeful note
While communities mourn, Veikoso’s music and the values he taught his children offer an enduring legacy—his songs and the artists he mentored will continue to unite and inspire future generations across the Pacific.
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