Before the advent of the internet and television in Fiji, radio was the only platform through which local artists could share their music with the country and the world.
And should a musician or group’s music be deemed good enough to receive airplay, that literally transformed the person or ensemble into household names.
While growing up in Muana, Toga, in the Rewa Province in the ‘60s, Timoci “Jim” Satui told his peers that his music would be played over the radio one day.
And true to his word, a group Satui was a member of made it to the big time with their hit ‘70s tune, Vuniniukala.
“Even though my interest in music was with me from when I was born, my music career started when I was in Form 3 at Central Fijian Secondary School, which is Sila Central School today,” the 58-year-old said.
Satui caught the attention of one of the most popular sigidrigi groups at the time, Tadravakasiga, and was roped in to play ukulele in the band.
Tadravakasiga’s rise to fame after the release of their very popular anthem, Vuniniukala, meant that Satui was swinging with the big boys.
“At that time, there was no TV and no internet, there was only one radio station, Fiji Broadcasting Commission and they had a very popular program called “Digidigi Domoni”.
“And Tadravakasiga went to number one on that show with Vuniniukala.
“The funny thing is, that song never went away, people still request it today.”
Satui said gigging with Tadravakasiga was fertile ground for learning the ropes in terms of composition, harmonising and performing.
“While playing ukulele with them, I told myself that one day I would lead a band of my own.
“I worked in different nightclubs in Suva and Nausori and while listening to different kind of songs every night, it inspired me to continue chasing my dream.”
He got the opportunity to make the dream a reality when he came across some youths in his village drinking grog and serenading.
“They had a good sound and their harmonies were very tight, so I approached them and told them of my plan for a different kind of sigidrigi group, and they agreed.”
That meeting gave birth to the “Cadra ko Muana Group”.
The founding members were Seru Tuicakau, Solomoni Matau, Marika Tabuagasau and Timoci Raceva.
Satui said he composed most of their songs and they also revamped some songs made famous by the Tadravakasiga group.
“We started recording in 2008 at Procera Music Studio and we have completed our ninth volume last year.”
Contrary to popular opinion, Satui said he believed music was capable of supporting artists and their families.
Satui said most of their songs were very popular on the radio, at functions and, when they were open, nightclubs around Fiji.
“We have a lot of big hits like Nasi Mai Vunidawa, Dodomo Cala, Kavoro Na Utoqu and many more.
He said most of the songs he composed were linked to real-life events, which contributed to their popularity.
The Rewa man said entering the Procera studio in 2008 was very different to the way recordings were done at FBC in the ‘70s.
“In those days, everything was done manually, everyone has to sing or play their part from beginning to end.
“If someone made a mistake, we would have to start again.
“Nowadays, the engineer produces all the music on a computer and if there is a mistake in the voice, the computer can fix it too.
“We just have to go with the flow, because this is how music is created these days.”
