Laisa Vulakoro, affectionately recognized as the “Queen of Vude”, is poised for a remarkable year ahead as she prepares to release new music, captivating visuals, and embark on a long-awaited national tour in Fiji. With a career spanning over four decades, the iconic Fijian musician is revitalizing her artistry while firmly believing in the importance of maintaining the soulful essence of music, particularly in this age dominated by artificial intelligence.
In a recent interview, Vulakoro expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming year, brimming with excitement about the developments in her musical journey. “I look forward to a very exciting new year,” she stated, revealing plans for the release of at least three new songs accompanied by music videos. The forthcoming tracks, a blend of both English and Fijian compositions, are already well underway. “It’s already been written. It’s already half recorded,” she revealed, as she looks forward to completing the project soon.
Emphasizing the integration of visuals into her music, Vulakoro recognizes the shift in how audiences engage with music today. “Before it was only radio, but now it’s the visual part of the music. They want to see you on TV, on the phones, on social media,” she explained. However, her dedication to the heart of music—live performances—remains unwavering. She thrives on the energy of the stage, regardless of whether her audience consists of three or 30,000. “My biggest exciting moments in music is live performance,” she shared, emphasizing her commitment to delivering the same vibrant energy to every show.
With a strong desire to finally embark on a national tour with her band, Vulakoro expresses hope for support from sponsors and media partners to make this long-cherished dream a reality. As she reflects on her profession, the conversation naturally shifts to Vude, the genre she has popularized globally. When asked about its relevance today, Vulakoro responded earnestly, “Of course, Vude cannot die,” highlighting its roots in traditional meke rhythms and chants.
She passionately discusses the essence of Vude, noting that it translates to a sense of calm movement, akin to floating on water, encouraging listeners to relax and dance in harmony with her music. Vulakoro firmly believes that traditional beats continue to resonate with contemporary audiences, stating, “If I put out my songs today with the traditional Vude beats, it’ll go. People will still love it.”
As a seasoned artist, Vulakoro is keenly aware of the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence within the music industry. While she acknowledges the inevitability of change and has adapted through the years—from vinyl to digital streaming—she remains protective of maintaining the human touch in her own creations. “I still feel that I should maintain the human touch in my music,” she asserted, advocating for authenticity and the true human voice in music.
In an ever-evolving industry, Laisa Vulakoro stands as a resilient figure, committed to blending tradition with contemporary relevance, ensuring that her music retains its emotional soul while navigating the challenges of modern technology. Her upcoming projects and unwavering dedication to her craft promise to keep the spirit of Vude alive and flourishing in the years to come.
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