THE Fiji Performing Rights Association (FIPRA) Awards are back after three years.
Set for May 9, the awards are a fresh start for an organization that prides itself on championing Fijian language and tradition, even as it has to come to grips with the modern challenges.
Chairman Isireli Gumatua opened the press conference, framing the return as a cornerstone of FIPRA’s new direction.
“The return of FIPRA Music Awards is a key part of that strategic plan,” he said.
“It represents renewal, growth, and our renewed commitment to recognizing and celebrating the talents of future composers and music creators.”
A nod to what the new focus will be is the introduction of the Best Sigi Drigi Award. Gumatua emphasized that this new category underscores the association’s “strong commitment to preserving and promoting the Fijian language, storytelling, and traditional musical expressions.”
In response to questions around AI, FIPRA officials acknowledged they were actively working on a policy but had not reached a conclusion.
“The board is finding a solution at the moment, how we can collaborate AI music with the original composers, we’re still looking into that, trying to find an alternative way that works for everyone.”
This admission highlights the difficulty of preserving authentic cultural works, while navigating rapidly evolving tech tools that can closely imitate them.
The event is being organized under new leadership, with three fresh board members and a new general manager appointed. The new team are also considering a change from the awards’ traditional venue at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
Applications for the 15 award categories are now open to FIPRA members for songs released in 2025, with a three-week submission window closing on February 27. Organizers cited the tight timeline for submissions as necessary to accommodate judging, public nomination phases on social media and awards night preparations before May 9.