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Pacific Creativity Pacific Creativity
Art
A fusion of Pacific roots and global sounds albums.
The music curriculum at Pacificgroove Arts and Music is The success stories of these students highlight the
deeply influenced by Fijian and Pacific Island rhythms, with a organisation’s commitment to providing not only musical
strong emphasis on: education, but also the professional skills necessary for
• Traditional Fijian Music & Meke Rhythms – Teaching students students to thrive in the global music industry.
the foundations of Fijian drumming (lali), hand-clap
rhythms, and storytelling through chants. Looking to the future: expanding reach and growing
• Pacific Harmony Singing – Training in island-style vocal opportunities
harmonies, commonly heard in church music and traditional As Pacificgroove Arts and Music looks to the future, the
ensembles. organisation plans to expand its influence both locally and
• Island Reggae & Roots – Drawing inspiration from pioneers internationally. The school is working on collaborations with
like George “Fiji” Veikoso, J Boog, and Kolohe Kai, tutors Fiji Music App and other platforms to help students produce,
guide students through the rhythmic grooves and melodic perform, and release music in the digital space. There are
phrasing that define Pacific reggae. plans to host workshops and provide professional development
• Fiji-style Gospel & Worship – Incorporating church music opportunities for students, equipping them with industry-
traditions, blending Pacific harmonies with contemporary standard knowledge and hands-on experience.
praise and worship arrangements. Long-term goals include creating an organised, clear
pathway for students to progress from beginners to
Expanding beyond tradition professional artists, with the ultimate goal of seeing Pacific
While their foundation is deeply rooted in the Pacific, they Island musicians take the world stage.
also introduce students to global genres that enhance their
versatility: A platform for the next generation
• Jazz, Funk & R&B Fusion – Encouraging improvisation, More than just a school, Pacificgroove is a movement -
groove, and soulful expression, essential for contemporary nurturing talent, preserving Pacific music traditions, and
musicians. empowering young musicians to thrive in the industry.
• Rock & Pop – Covering classic rock guitar riffs, pop vocal Whether performing at live gigs, church services, or
techniques, and modern arrangements. professional recording sessions, their students develop the
• Music Production & Ensemble Training – Preparing students skills needed to make their mark in the Pacific and beyond.
for the stage and studio, focusing on band performance,
recording, and arranging music across different styles. Getting involved: supporting the movement
Individuals and organisations who want to support
Navigating challenges and overcoming obstacles Pacificgroove Arts and Music have several opportunities to get
Despite facing significant challenges along the way, involved. One key avenue is through social media, where the
Pacificgroove Arts and Music has remained committed to its school plans to increase its presence to engage with a broader
mission. One notable setback occurred when the school’s audience. There are also opportunities for collaborations,
physical location at the United Club faced plumbing issues sponsorships, and partnerships that will help the school
that damaged musical instruments and disrupted operations. continue to grow and support its students.
However, the founder chose not to give up. Instead, they The organisation has been fortunate to have received
adapted by offering freelance lessons, workshops, and home sponsorships in the past, helping fund both equipment and
visits, ensuring that the school’s work continued despite operational costs. These partnerships have been vital in
setbacks. ensuring the sustainability of the program and its ability to
Now, Pacificgroove Arts and Music is in the process of continue offering high-quality education to students in Fiji
securing a new location in Nadi and other regions, where and beyond.
students will once again have a stable space to engage with
their music education. The school’s resilience in the face Vibrant community
of adversity speaks to the strength of its commitment to Pacificgroove Arts and Music is more than just a school - it’s
students and the community. a vibrant community, a launching pad for young talent, and a
cultural movement that is shaping the future of music in the
Impact on local students and global opportunities Pacific Islands. With a vision that includes providing industry-
Pacificgroove Arts and Music’s impact is already being felt level training, supporting students through all stages of their
in the lives of its students. Several alumni have gone on to musical journey, and promoting cultural pride, Pacificgroove
achieve success in the music industry, including students who Arts and Music is creating a lasting impact on the lives of
have joined the Police Academy and the military, using their its students and their communities. Through resilience,
music skills to perform in these institutions. Other students innovation, and a commitment to excellence, Pacificgroove
have gone on to perform with top bands in places like the Arts and Music is poised to continue making waves in the
Solomon Islands, and some are even recording their own world of arts and music education.
Islands Business, April 2025 33

