As the music sector in Fiji works towards gaining global recognition, local artists of all ages are uniting in their efforts, balancing collaboration with healthy competition.
Aisea Buliruarua, a 22-year-old from Lomaiviti, is a former member of the band Paradise Roots. He is now focused on realizing his own potential by adhering to the advice he has received: to believe in himself, even when he faces challenges alone.
“Since I entered the music industry, my family and senior musicians have consistently encouraged me, emphasizing that self-belief is key to achieving my goals,” Buliruarua remarked.
Reflecting on his upbringing, he expressed that family gatherings were essential for him due to the bands that would perform, fueling his aspiration to one day perform with a band himself. Joining Paradise Roots allowed him to fulfill that part of his dream, a milestone he cherishes deeply.
Buliruarua credits a friend, Benjamin Amori, for suggesting an audition that led him to the management of Setareki Baleirara, who recognized his talent and offered him a chance to pursue his dreams.
His love for singing also blossomed during Sunday school, prompting him to learn the guitar and ukulele at age 14. His musical journey extends beyond being an audience member at family events.
“My family has always embraced music,” he added.
Interestingly, Buliruarua is a distant relative of the members of the renowned band Voqa ni Delai Dokidoki, which gained popularity in the early 2000s with hits like “Au mai Vakila” and “Sereki na Rarawa.” The band earned the Best Performer Award in 1981, with Temo Soko Lote winning Best Composer a year later. Growing up, Buliruarua felt a strong musical connection with his relatives, leading him to discover his own talent and voice.
“Like many, I grew up listening to Dokidoki,” he shared. “However, my experience was unique. I closely observed their music-making process, learned song-writing techniques, and shared the stage with them at various family events.”
This experience solidified his ambition to achieve similar success in the music industry.
“Times have evolved, and the internet now plays a vital role in the music industry, offering platforms to display talent,” he noted.
With hopes for further growth in the Fijian music industry, Buliruarua looks forward to more opportunities to showcase his own talents.