When Salote Naulumatua, a talented singer, dancer, and creative artist, released her debut single “Future Me” on YouTube, it transcended mere music, resonating deeply with her life, faith, and artistic journey. Influenced by the late Alan Alo, the former artistic director of the USP’s Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture, Naulumatua credits him for helping her realize her core purpose: to express love and understanding through her artistic forms.
Among her significant achievements, Naulumatua highlighted a pivotal moment in her career when she won a contemporary co-choreographer position alongside renowned choreographer Sopa Pelu Fatiaki. The duo created an hour-long dance production featuring nine contemporary dancers, culminating in a spontaneous duet that she described as a magical experience that brought her dance capabilities to life.
Naulumatua was born on November 1, 1980, at CWM Hospital, and her upbringing in both England and Fiji shaped her resilience and adaptability as the eldest of six siblings. Her childhood was filled with colorful family dynamics and playful afternoons spent with her siblings, where she often entertained them with small performances. However, the challenges she faced at the age of 13, when her parents’ lives took a different direction, motivated her to be a responsible big sister, fostering peace and understanding within her family.
Throughout these formative years, Naulumatua learned valuable lessons about faith, courage, and the importance of spiritual and personal responsibility. Her family’s strong sense of creativity continues to inspire her endeavors today, as she balances family life with her artistic pursuits. Engaging in crafts she learned from her grandmother, such as crocheting and screen printing, Naulumatua remains grounded in her roots while devoting herself to her creative passions.
At the heart of Naulumatua’s work is a deep connection to her spiritual journey. She emphasizes the integration of her creativity with her faith, feeling a sense of fulfillment in her continued personal growth and artistic expression. With aspirations to record more music and produce visual work, she looks forward to creating additional songs and video clips that reflect her journey and intentions.
Naulumatua also expresses a desire to honor her late father and make her mother proud, while aiming to extend her hands to assist those in need. She dreams of traveling to places like Jamaica and Japan, but her primary focus stays on creativity and spiritual growth.
Ultimately, Naulumatua wishes to leave a legacy marked by spirituality and creativity, hoping to be remembered for the profound impact she made during her life in Fiji. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of art and faith in navigating life’s challenges and pursuing one’s passions.
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