More than 200 people gathered at Vodafone Arena in Suva today to farewell George “Fiji” Veikoso, while the service drew more than 16,000 viewers on the artist’s official YouTube livestream.
Family, friends, fellow musicians and community leaders packed the arena to pay tribute to the internationally renowned performer. Speakers recalled Fiji’s deep connection to his culture and community, his humility despite global success, and his grounding in faith.
Representing the Vanua o Buretu in Tailevu, Anasa Matakiuva said Fiji carried his traditional role with him wherever he went, describing him as a traditional warrior and a tireless promoter of indigenous knowledge and culture. Close friend Lapi Mariner and other attendees remembered him as loving, caring and steadfastly humble even at the height of his fame.
Relatives and musicians led tributes that celebrated both his musical achievements and his role as a cultural ambassador who brought Fijian sounds to international audiences. Following the public requiem at Vodafone Arena, the cortege departed for Lovonilase Cemetery for his final resting place.
Context and confirmed details
– George “Fiji” Veikoso died on July 24, 2025; the public farewell at Vodafone Arena allowed family and fans to honour him before burial in his home area.
– The service was livestreamed on his official YouTube channel, enabling widespread participation across Fiji and the Pacific.
Why this mattered
Holding a large public requiem before a family burial follows longstanding Fijian customs: it gives the community space to mourn and celebrate the life of a public figure while preserving family-led burial rites among ancestors. The turnout and large online audience underscore Veikoso’s broad cultural reach and the deep connection his music forged across generations.
Suggested editorial additions for publication
– Embed the official livestream recording (FIJI The Artist) and include timestamps for key moments (family eulogies, community tributes).
– Add a short photo gallery from the Vodafone Arena service and a curated playlist of Veikoso’s most iconic songs to accompany the story.
– Provide practical details for in-person attendees and future commemorations: procession route, recommended arrival times, parking and road closures, and guidance on respectful dress.
– Include selected tributes from prominent figures (for example, the Prime Minister and fellow musicians) and information about planned Homecoming Festival memorials or tribute concerts.
– Add a brief explainer on the cultural practice of public requiems followed by family burials to give readers unfamiliar with Fijian tradition helpful context.
Brief summary
George “Fiji” Veikoso was farewelled today at Vodafone Arena in Suva with hundreds in attendance and thousands more joining online. Speakers honoured his musical legacy, cultural advocacy and humility. The cortege is now en route to Lovonilase Cemetery for burial among his ancestors.
Hopeful note
Although the nation mourns his loss, the outpouring of tributes and the wide online participation show that Veikoso’s music and cultural leadership will continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans, keeping his spirit alive through the songs and values he championed.
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