RENOWNED composer Iliesa Baravilala contacted The Fiji Times following the weekly Tuesday series on the tragic crash of Air Fiji's PC 121 in July 1999 that has appeared in this newspaper over the past few weeks.
Mr Baravilala, the man behind the phenomenal success of artists like Lagani Rabukawaqa, Jimmy Subhaydas and Emosi Lomata among others, had composed a song titled PC121 which was released in August 1999 and became a requiem anthem on indigenous radio stations.
"I can still remember that I was travelling on a boat to Beachcomber Island that Saturday morning when news of the crash was broadcast over the radio.
"It was such a sad event and as I was thinking about the poor souls that lost their lives, I knew I had to write a song to commemorate the event," he said.
The soon-to-be 66-year-old composer singled out a young partially blind songstress from Namosi — Akata Taulawa — to do the honours and the tune became a nation-wide hit overnight.
"I have written over 500 songs for 23 artists but the song PC121 is still one of the most memorable of my career," the Lautoka resident said.
Mr Baravilala said he had recently caught up with Jimmy Subhaydas in Levuka and plans were afoot for revival of the popular singers career.
"I have composed a few songs and we are working on getting a recording done with Procera Music soon," he said.