THE Pacific music scene mourns the passing of Fiji—George Fiji Veikoso—today after he lost a long battle with illness.
Polynesian Music confirmed the death this hour, ending hours of speculation that the Hawaii-based music legend was dead.
“Thank you, Fiji, for your gift. For your heart, and your legacy. You gave us so much. And we will carry it with us forever,’’ the group said in a media statement.
Fiji—as he became known—rose from the Raiwaqa neighbourhood in Suva with the reggae band Rootsrata in 1984.
He relocated to Hawaii and became known for the ability to blend reggae, hip-hop, and jazz.
Despite using a wheelchair for several years, Fiji, returned to Fiji in September 2024 to perform before sellout crowds in what was labelled the Homecoming Tour.
He was scheduled to perform in Fiji later this year.