Arieta Veikoso, one of the children of the late musician Ratu George “Fiji” Veikoso, delivered an emotional, off-the-cuff eulogy this morning at Vodafone Arena in Suva, describing the private pain her father endured and the public legacy he leaves behind.
Speaking directly to her father and the thousands gathered, Arieta said she had not prepared remarks but wanted to speak from the heart. She recalled his lifelong wish for unity, saying his “only dream … was for everyone to be as one.” She also acknowledged the long suffering he endured: “He was in so much pain for so long,” and expressed the family’s hope that he has finally found peace.
Her tribute joined a series of family remembrances at the public requiem. Earlier, son Shilo Veikoso delivered a heartfelt eulogy portraying his father as a guiding presence who taught faith, responsibility and self-reflection. Other relatives and friends praised Veikoso’s role as a cultural ambassador whose music brought people together across the Pacific.
Context and arrangements
– Ratu George “Fiji” Veikoso passed away on July 24, 2025. The public requiem at Vodafone Arena precedes a family burial in his ancestral village of Buretu, Tailevu, following longstanding Fijian customs that balance communal mourning with private family rites.
– The service has been livestreamed for fans across the Pacific via Veikoso’s official channel, allowing those who cannot attend in person to join the farewell.
– National leaders and fellow artists have paid tribute to his influence; Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka described him as a “towering figure” in Pacific music.
Why Arieta’s words matter
Arieta’s focus on her father’s dream of unity echoes a recurring theme in tributes: Veikoso used music to connect communities, blending traditional Fijian sounds with contemporary genres. Her candid mention of his long pain humanises a public figure often seen only on stage, reminding audiences of the personal cost behind a lifetime of giving to others.
Suggestions for publication
– Embed the official livestream (FIJI The Artist YouTube) and include time-zone conversions for international readers.
– Add a photo gallery from the Vodafone Arena service and a curated playlist of Veikoso’s most iconic tracks to accompany the piece.
– Provide practical details for attendees: arrival times, seating notes (ground floor reserved for family), procession route along Laucala Bay Road, and parking or road-closure information.
– Include a sidebar with selected tributes from family members, national leaders and fellow musicians, and information on planned commemorative events such as Homecoming Festival tributes.
Short summary
At a public requiem at Vodafone Arena, daughter Arieta Veikoso paid tribute to her late father’s dream of unity and acknowledged the long pain he endured, while family, fans and leaders honoured Ratu George “Fiji” Veikoso’s life and enduring influence on Pacific music.
Hopeful note
While communities mourn, Arieta’s words and the outpouring at the arena underscore how Veikoso’s music and message of unity will continue to inspire future generations and keep his spirit alive.
Leave a comment