George Brooks Veikoso (born 10 May 1970), known professionally as Fiji, is a Fijian musician, vocalist, songwriter, music producer and occasional actor. He was born in Fiji and is from the province of Tailevu. He was raised in Fiji.[1]
George "Fiji" Veikoso | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | George Brooks Veikoso |
| Also known as | FIJI, George FIJI |
| Born | 10 May 1970 Fiji |
| Origin | Buretu,Tailevu, Fiji Islands |
| Genres | Reggae, world, R&B, ska, jazz, Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, vocalist |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Labels | Indigenous Alliance |
| Website | fijitheartist |
Early life
editHis first professional singing appearance earned him $5 from the audience. He liked singing in the church as a kid. He credits 3 relatives for helping him reach his goals which includes his uncle, Isireli Racule who worked on Elvis Presley's, Drums of the Islands, his other uncle and Fijian jazz star, Sakiusa Bulicokocoko and Paul Stevens. He joined Fijian band Rootstrata in 1987 but left the same year for Hawaii due to the 1987 Fijian coups d'état.[2]
Career
editIn 1998 he won the Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Male Vocalist of the year and Favorite Entertainer of the year.[3]
He has earned numerous other industry accolades and awards “Favorite Entertainer of the Year” and “People's Choice Award”. FIJI's collaboration on the "Island Warriors" compilation album earned a Grammy-nomination for Best Reggae Album.[4]
Fiji also co-wrote and sang the season 11 theme-song "Let Me Be the One"with Glenn Medeiros for the TV show, Baywatch and he has acted in the 2002, surfer film Blue Crush.[5]
He has produced and released many albums during his career such as “Evolution” and “Born and Raised” to name a few. One of his all time and most popular songs is “Lia”.[6]
In December 2021, he won the Pacific Music Awards, Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long contribution to the Polynesian reggae scene.[7]
References
edit- ^ Amrit, Ajay (12 April 2015). "George Fiji Veikoso, A Fiji Legend". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
- ^ "Fiji's got it, and more, including a Hoku and a new CD". Star Bulletin. 29 June 1999. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
- ^ Berger, John (12 May 2001). Billboards 12 May 2001.
- ^ "Reggae album from Hawaii is Grammy finalist". 5 January 2002. Retrieved 18 July 2015.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Blue Crush cast". TV Guide. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
- ^ Amrit, Ajay (12 April 2015). "George Fiji Veikoso, A Fiji Legend". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
- ^ Mayron, Sapeer (19 December 2021). "Pacific Music Awards: Jawsh685 scoops three awards for hit 'Savage Love'". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 19 December 2021.