The Homecoming Concert 2024 in Fiji was a remarkable experience, marking a significant moment in the country’s musical history. If you weren’t there, you likely feel a sense of regret for missing this grand event, which was the largest concert Fiji has seen since the likes of Lucky Dube and UB40.
The King Charles Park was filled to capacity for two days, attracting attendees from various backgrounds, including many from across the Pacific region. While videos of live performances by George (Fiji) Veikoso and Maoli flooded social media, nothing could compare to the atmosphere of the concert itself.
When asked about the experience, the excitement surrounding the stage setup, lights, and Veikoso’s powerful entrance with “Indigenous Life” is hard to capture in words. Would I go through the effort again? Absolutely! Despite the challenges of finding accommodation and food away from home, the experience was well worth it.
The concert’s energy resonated through Nadi well into the night, providing an awakening experience for me and my companions—my daughter Milika and sister-in-law Miah, both of whom have strong ties to Raiwaqa, Poji’s neighborhood. Attending the concert was essential for creating lasting memories, far beyond just listening to the music at home.
This concert was the culmination of a dream for Milika, who had never visited Nadi town, making it the perfect opportunity to witness one of Fiji’s finest musicians perform live. Personally, having grown up in Raiwaqa, I have heard countless stories about Poji and his journey.
In preparation for the concert, my friends and I had to get creative to fund our tickets, priced at around $110 each. Facing unexpected challenges, including sold-out online tickets, we decided to travel to Nadi on the off chance that tickets would be available at the gate, despite the potential loss of our travel expenses.
In the weeks leading up to the concert, we organized various fundraising activities, including selling kati cards. Meanwhile, the girls worked at the Hibiscus Festivals, vowing to save their wages for the concert. However, we faced setbacks, including the consumption of our fundraising supplies and slow ticket sales.
Just two days before the concert, a family member visiting from Australia offered support, helping to cover our ticket costs. Finally, the day arrived when we hopped on a bus to Nadi, filled with excitement and anticipation.
Upon arrival in Nadi, the atmosphere was electric, with throngs of fans bustling through the streets. After securing our lodging, the girls rushed to King Charles Park, eager to buy tickets. Initially discouraged to find that the ticket booth was closed, they ultimately returned with the great news that they successfully purchased tickets at the gate.
The concert itself exceeded expectations, featuring a vibrant atmosphere, delicious food stalls, and Tofiga Fepulea’i serving as the master of ceremonies. The event was undoubtedly worth every penny spent. Tofiga hinted at a potential Homecoming Concert in 2025, which we won’t miss. This experience has taught us valuable lessons that we will carry forward in preparation for future events.