ALL great musicians have their own fascinating story of how they started out on the road.
There’s the story of Ken Jansen’s café shop back in the ’60s where musicians gathered and stirred the young man’s musical passion.
Or the tale of Wise Vatuwaqa who gate-crashed the rehearsals of senior musicians, taught himself to play the guitar and fast-tracked himself to be part of the band.
This week, in an exclusive interview, we talk to another of VT1S rising star, Isireli Tikoduadua Kotoisuva Osborne, better known as OZZ.
The 25-year-old was thrown onto the scene on March 5 at the National Gymnasium when VT1S rocked a full house in Suva brandishing their new VTBop Music that’s now taking the Pacific and the world by storm.
The Nasaqalau, Lakeba, Lau lad said it was a serious case of jangled nerves because it was his first time ever on stage.
He had to muster all his courage to stand before the stampede and high-pitched screams of hundreds of fans unleashing pent up energy as a result of being stuck indoors caused by the virus.
Even a heavy downpour the same afternoon couldn’t stop people queuing up outside the main entrance.
So, March 5 was not only concert night but an evening to unleash the beast and enjoy live music, dancing and art the VT1S way.
I mean if I’d paid $30 for a seat, I’d expect a damn good show, wouldn’t you? Me mate sara ga na i lavo!
OZZ was one of the first to take stage while the big guns Billy T and Ratu were scheduled to appear later and close the show in style. And as opening acts go, they always have big shoes to fill.
OZZ, who graduates this May from the University of the South Pacific, says he faced his nerves, took to the stage and took ownership of it. “I went in after Liz and I was amazed when people started singing my song,” he recalls.
“My song Tawa Yalani is a song about love, about confessing everlasting love for each other.”
“Full-time sweating brother! But I made sure to follow through on every note just like we practised in the weeks leading up to the show.”
“Who am I? I’m OZZ! “I grew up in a family that loves music, and both sides of the family, too,” he says.
“My mum and dad listen to music every day on the radio or on our DVD deck at home. They sing and play the guitar as well, so I grew up listening to them in church and at home.
“My father and uncle sang a lot of sigidrigi songs at home with their friends and my parents taught me to play guitar when I was just 10.”
His early influences were Westlife and Backstreet Boys.
“Mum would get me their concerts on CDs. My dad, on the other hand, would blast Voqa ni Delai Dokidoki and George Fiji Veikoso songs on the radio. So, singing came naturally to me.”
Right now OZZ writes his own songs although he has yet to release any of them.
“I’m still learning and perfecting my writing skills, although I do plan on releasing some originals soon, so stay tuned.
“I listen mostly to island reggae songs as I am a huge fan of George Fiji Veikoso. I also love listening to Fijian classics, English classics and a little bit of Ed Sheeran.”
OZZ says the concert was an eye-opener and he was privileged to have been chosen by Thunda and Stee to join the line-up. Stee motivated me to learn more about writing my own songs.
“Singing was stationed to the walls and ceiling at home and a few friends and family knew I could sing but VT1S gave me the big break,” he says.
“I met Billy one day as he was practising at my friend’s place. We talked and got to know each other, we shared a cigarette and I asked him about his music journey and what it’s like singing in front of a large crowd.
“The first time I sang in public and in front of a crowd was at the then Governor’s Restaurant on Suva’s Knolly
St.
“They had an open-mic night and Billy and William Driver (Wills), who performed there, encouraged me to try it out.
“I remember my hands were shaking and Billy was saying, “Vacava Cuz? Set?”
OZZ and Ratu attended boarding schools, Ratu at RKS and OZZ at QVS.
“We participated at the Coca-Cola Games in the shot put and discus and we became good friends from there.
“I met him again at USP and one night someone brought a guitar to school and we ended up singing together in a small study bure.
“Soon, he left to play rugby in NZ and we met up again when he returned.
“One night at Governor’s, he came over and sang. We used to grog and jam at Wills’ place not knowing that one day we would sing in a concert in front of hundreds of people.”
OZZ recalls how Thunda called on Instagram one Saturday morning after New Year’s this year and introduced himself.
“He was with Stee Verekula and they were telling me about how much they liked my voice and how they wanted to record a song with me,” OZZ says.
“We met up in the studio and they told me about their dreams and aspirations concerning the VT1S movement. I agreed and we began to build a friendship from there.
“So, yes, inspired and yes, definitely working on new songs and hoping to bring out more music soon.
“I want to thank everyone who’s supported VT1S music, thank you so much for listening and sharing our music with the rest of the world through your platforms.
“I am humbled by the huge turn-up at our concert in March, and I also want to encourage youths out there who are chasing their dreams, don’t stop, keep moving forward and work hard towards your goal, even if no one else believes in it. Everything and anything is possible.
“I feel different when I listen to music or when I sing.
“I feel at peace and it allows me to pour out my thoughts, emotions and feelings.
“I want to learn as much as I can and one day help someone with the same interests.”
Next Week VT1S’ Pojee and female vocalists, Taufa, Liz, Oni and Naomi
