George “Fiji” Veikoso, the renowned Fijian musician and cultural icon, will receive final rites on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, with a memorial service set to take place at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. This announcement was made today through the Homecoming Music Festival’s social media channels, reflecting the deep sorrow felt by the community following his recent passing.
The event will begin with the arena opening its entry at 7:30 am, and guests are kindly requested to be seated by 8:15 am. It is important to note that the ground floor seating will be reserved for family and close friends only. The funeral procession, which is expected to start at 8 am, will travel along Laucala Bay Road, arriving at the venue by 8:30 am, with the service scheduled to begin at 9:00 am. After the service, family and friends will accompany the funeral cortège to the burial site, where George “Fiji” Veikoso will be laid to rest among his ancestors.
Veikoso’s passing has been met with profound grief throughout Fiji and beyond, as he was seen not merely as a musician but as a cultural ambassador who enriched the music scene with his traditional Fijian sounds blended with contemporary genres. According to tributes shared following his death, the impact of his music resonated with themes of love, resilience, and cultural pride. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka described Veikoso as a “towering figure” in Pacific music, recognizing his significant role in uniting communities through his art.
As the nation prepares to pay respect to Veikoso, there is hope that his legacy will inspire future generations of musicians to continue celebrating Fijian culture. His music remains a source of joy and unity for many, reinforcing the notion that while he may no longer be with us, his spirit will live on through the melodies and memories he created.
This moment serves as a reminder of the profound connections that art can foster across diverse communities, emphasizing the lasting importance of cultural expression within society.
Leave a comment