Local guitarist, composer and vocalist Apakuki Nalawa, known professionally as Kuki, has been nominated in the Best International Pacific Artist category at the 2025 Pacific Music Awards, marking a milestone 11 years after George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso captured the inaugural title. The PMA, now in its 21st year, is celebrated as a key platform for Pacific voices that speak to identity, heritage, and creative resilience. Kuki’s nomination places Fiji among a record 34 finalists across 13 categories, including 15 debut nominees. The awards ceremony is set for Thursday, 21 August 2025 at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand.
“This is bigger than one person or one sound—it’s about carrying our identity wherever we go,” Kuki said. “I’m proud to stand for Fiji in this way and honoured to be included among so many gifted Pacific creatives.”
Kuki is the frontman of the acclaimed Inside Out, a group currently touring Australia, and has built a respected solo profile alongside his work with the band. He has released a string of notable tracks, including his renditions of Selena’s “I Could Fall In Love” and 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up.” In 2024, he released his debut solo EP, Noqu Vanua, described as a lament for Fiji and rooted in his personal journey, which includes the recent passing of his father. The EP and its songs, especially the track Maqu, carry deep sentiment and reflect themes of family, vanua (land and culture), and the importance of expressing love within Fijian communities.
Maqu, a tribute to his father who passed away in 2022, became a focal point for Kuki’s effort to normalize expressions of affection in iTaukei households. His family members—mother Nancy, sister Losalini, and others—have spoken about his early love of music, the challenges of growing up, and the way those memories shaped his artistry. The Berlin-based inspiration of his music, and the path from humble beginnings to international recognition, underscore Kuki’s determination to bring Fijian music to a global audience.
Looking ahead, the PMA nomination complements Kuki’s ongoing musical pursuits and his drive to elevate Pacific sounds on the world stage. His work with Inside Out, his solo material, and his public commitment to family and culture collectively position him as a rising voice in Pacific music—and a representative of Fiji’s enduring creative spirit.
Summary: Kuki’s nomination for Best International Pacific Artist at the 2025 Pacific Music Awards reinforces his role as a leading ambassador for Fiji’s musical heritage, building on his Inside Out legacy and his Noqu Vanua solo project to bring Fiji’s stories to audiences across the Pacific and beyond. A hopeful note: his continued visibility could catalyze new collaborations and opportunities for Pacific artists, helping to amplify voices that shape identity, resilience, and pride.
Additional value: For readers, this milestone offers a compelling moment to explore Kuki’s Noqu Vanua EP and his guest performances on recent tracks, while following the PMA’s coverage to see how Pacific music continues to evolve on the international stage. If you’re creating a companion feature, consider curating a short playlist of Kuki’s solo tracks alongside Inside Out selections, and publish a photo timeline highlighting his journey from Ra to the global stage.
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