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Music
Back Tracks: Group formed during a flood in 1976
MOST people in the iTaukei community know of the amazing vocal and musical prowess of the musical group Tadravakasiga. With hit songs such as Noqu Yanuyanu Meu Sere Taka Mada and Vuni Niu Kala — with the iconic intro where lead singer Peni Vunisau begins the song with a knock at the door and the...
Royalty pay out for 612 FPRA members
A total of 612 members of the Fiji Performing Rights Association are expected to be paid in the 2019 royalty pay out from today. The FPRA Chairman, Eremasi Tamanaisau said this is a 50 per cent pay out for its members which amounts to $137,500. “The FPRA board of directors would like to acknowledge the...
Musicians hit hard by COVID-19
The musicians who entertain us, boost our spirits, make us dance and even bring us to tears are crying right now. COVID-19 has hit them hard. Many are wondering where their family’s next meal is going to come from. They are worried about how they will pay their rent and with no gigs and income,...
Music from the heart
THE village of Nakorovou, Dreketi in Rewa is home to some of the pioneers of iTaukei music. The area has produced some of the finest iTaukei musicians and groups in a wide range of genres, including the renowned gospel group Vuniyavu Church Choir and popular music artist Seru Serevi. Serevi is still regarded as the...
Drose’s love for music
WHEN Tegu Ni Nayarabale left Namalata Village, Kadavu, in 2005 for Suva to launch their debut album, they were living on a prayer. They boarded the boat with empty pockets, the only funds they managed to collect had been used to pay their passage to the Capital City. “As a young group at that time,...
Suva Swingers – Toast of the town in the colonial era
THE name Suva Swingers probably won’t mean much to many Fijians today. But in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, the Suva-based group was the toast of the town. Before the advent of nightclubs in Suva, New Zealand and US Naval and Air Force officers stationed at Laucala Bay towards the end of World War II...
Maxie recalls the good old days
RODWELL Rd, Suva today is a far cry from the raging entertainment strip it once was. Back in the ’70s and ’80s, the Walu Bay end of the thoroughfare was home to the Phoenix Theatre — one of the busiest cinemas in the country and home to numerous talent shows and competitions. It was also...
Seni Dawa Ni Delai Dokidoki: Testimony of hard work
LAST week this newspaper looked at the early journey of pioneer singer, composer and songwriter Kitione Vunisasari. The 57-year-old has contributed immensely to the formation and development of many iTaukei bands. Most of the groups he helped originated from his village at Nasau, Koro Island in the Lomaiviti Group. Of all the bands he was...
‘Audience with Sassy’
LOCAL singing sensation Sassy brought Valentine’s Day fever to life last night with her performance of different numbers, including her newly released single — Bebe Koula. Dubbed an ‘Audience with Sassy’, the show which was held at Yue Lai Hotel in Flagstaff, Suva last night attracted a large crowd of couples and families. The show...
Chicago group jams with Bulicokocoko
IN December 1968 legendary Chicago blues group, the Junior Wells Band, visited Fiji. The United States group featured Jack Myers on bass guitar, Buddy Guy on guitar, Junior Wells on harmonica and vocals and Bill Warren on drums. Warren was keen to jam with local musicians and after making enquiries around Suva, he made his...
Best from the island
KORO Island has given birth to some of Fiji’s greatest singers, songwriters and performers. Veivueti ni Voqa Kei Nasau, Voqa ni Delai Dokidoki and Volasiga Kei Visailele have cemented their names as some of the greatest exponents of iTaukei music over the years.p But none are as revered as Kabu ni Delai Kade. While the...
Support for bushfire victims overwhelming, says Feakes
FIJIANS will always hold a special place in the hearts of all Australians says Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes. Delivering an emotional message at Sukuna Park in Suva today at the fundraiser for victims of the Australian bushfires during the Fiji 4 Australia Fire Concert, Mr Feakes said Australians could not have survived...
Iyaz and Kali-D rock city with hits
INTERNATIONAL recording artist Iyaz rocked Onyx Platinum in Suva last night with his unique brand of rhythm and blues. In a sold out show opened by Papua New Guinea artist Kali-D, Iyaz and internationally renowned producer DJ Victor Lopez kept the crowd on their feet with all his greatest hits including Replay, Solo and So...
‘Australia bushfire’ concert a family fun day
THE Fiji 4 Australia Fire Concert scheduled to take place on Saturday at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva has been labelled as a family fun day for a worthy cause. Organised by the Fiji Performing Rights Association (FPRA), the organising committee’s spokeswoman Laisa Vulakoro said 14 bands were scheduled to play at the concert which...
Superstar to release single in Fiji
PACIFIC music superstar Kali-D will release his latest single ‘Be My Love’ this week in Fiji. Speaking to The Fiji Times yesterday, the 27-year-old Papua New Guinea native, who has amassed millions of views on YouTube and a massive following across the region, said Fijians would be the first to hear his latest song. Kali-D...
