A revered traditional composer from Nakorotubu, Marika Savenikoro, has passed away, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural identity of two of Fiji’s most distinguished secondary schools. Savenikoro, a member of the Gonesau Clan from Nabukadra Village, is remembered for his unwavering commitment to the preservation of iTaukei culture through various forms of expression, including meke, song, and storytelling.
Sakiusa Taginasedrau, current Principal of Nakorotubu High School and former Principal of Queen Victoria School (QVS), paid heartfelt tribute to Savenikoro, calling his contributions both profound and enduring. According to Taginasedrau, under Savenikoro’s guidance, students were taught not just the physical aspects of dance but also core values, history, identity, and the essence of the iTaukei people. “His work was an act of cultural preservation that will live on through generations,” he said.
Savenikoro played a vital role in imparting the art of meke at Queen Victoria School and Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS), both known for their strong ties to iTaukei leadership and tradition. His father, Mr. Suliasi Nala, composed the significant meke “Valu Cibi Ai Valu,” which embodies the identity of RKS. This composition was gifted to the school and remains an integral part of its cultural heritage.
The legacy of Savenikoro continued when QVS invited him to create a meke that honored the school’s history and vision. He was entrusted with the important task of capturing the legacy of Queen Victoria School, which has been shaped by notable figures such as Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna and the Great Council of Chiefs. The meke “Waqavuka,” which he composed, is now regarded as a treasured cultural resource for the Vanua of Nakorotubu.
Taginasedrau described Savenikoro as humble, disciplined, and deeply dedicated to the transmission of culture. “Vinaka vakalevu for your unwavering service to our culture,” he expressed, acknowledging that Savenikoro’s legacy lives on in every student who performs these dances and understands their cultural identity.
Marika Savenikoro’s passing erases a vital voice in the conservation of iTaukei culture, but his work continues to nurture and fortify the identity of the iTaukei people for generations to come. His contributions serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural heritage and the impact one individual can have on preserving the essence of a community.
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