George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso, who once went by Poji, has become a proud symbol of his homeland, embodying the spirit of Fiji over the past thirty years. This past weekend, he hosted two incredible concerts in Nadi at Prince Charles Park, featuring a diverse and vibrant lineup of Pacific artists, including J Boog, Maoli, and Josh Tatofi. The event not only celebrated cultural heritage but also served as a reflection of what it means to be Fijian and a Pacific islander.
Fiji, a Grammy nominee for Best Reggae Album due to his contribution to the Island Warriors compilation, commanded immense respect from his fellow performers and gratitude from the thousands of fans present. Despite being confined to a wheelchair due to a medical condition, his vocal performance remained powerful, as he engaged the audience with an emotional rendition of the traditional folk song “Lomaloma.”
Backstage, a member of his crew noted the crowd’s overwhelmingly positive reaction to the encore, even despite not knowing the lyrics. The stage was equipped with advanced visual technology, enhancing the dynamic energy of the performances throughout the two-night event.
Reflecting on his journey, Fiji’s early beginnings were marked by humble gigs where he earned just $5, navigating challenging circumstances growing up in a tough neighborhood. Throughout the 1980s, he was involved with the roots-reggae group Rootstrata, creating music that spoke about freedom, social justice, and the struggles faced by their community.
Despite initial skepticism about reggae’s place in the music scene, Rootstrata’s original roots-rock sound gained popularity, paving the way for future Caribbean influences. The death of reggae legend Bob Marley in 1981 played a significant role in popularizing the genre worldwide, inspiring many Fijian and Pacific Island musicians.
During his time with Rootstrata, Fiji recorded several original tracks and contributed to the band’s debut album, “The Message Is In The Music,” released in 1988 after he had moved to Hawaii. His transition into the music industry, initially starting as a backing vocalist, eventually led him to success as a solo artist, songwriter, and producer.
With numerous accolades to his name, Fiji continues to impact the music scene, and there are discussions of a similar concert event for next year, promising to be a noteworthy occasion.