George 'Fiji' Veikoso, who co-wrote Baywatch Hawaii theme song, dies suddenly at 55. Fans call him 'G.O.A.T of island reggae music'
Veikoso was embraced by the Hawaii music industry as a top singer, songwriter, recording artist, producer, and mentor in the contemporary Hawaiian and
reggae music
genre. The Polynesian Music Network announced Veikoso's death with 'heavy hearts.'
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'He was a movement, a voice for the people, a light in the dark,' a statement on Facebook said. 'There was, and always will be, only one Fiji. His music wasn't just something we listened to.'
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Who was George Brooks Veikoso?
Born in May 1970, George Brooks Veikoso moved to Hawaii in 1987 following the coup d'etat in Fiji. He released his first album in 1994 before co-writing the theme tune for Baywatch Hawaii. He released his first album 'Evolution' in 1994 and two years later, his second album 'Born & Raised' topped the charts, reports Daily Mail.
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George Brooks Veikoso co-wrote the theme tune for Baywatch Hawaii - which starred Jason Mamoa - and was filmed on the island from 1999 to 2001. He also tried his hand at acting, appearing in the 2002 surfer film Blue Crush alongside Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez.
In 2014, he was awarded the Best Pacific International Artist Award at the Pacific Music Awards. In 2021, he accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Polynesian reggae stream.
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Fans pay tribute to George Brooks Veikoso
Fans have paid tribute to the singer, who has been coined as the GOAT of island reggae music online. They took to social media to pay tribute to George following the news of untimely death.
They wrote: "Man this one is tough. RIL George 'Fiji' Veikoso. Thank you for blessing the world with your voice and your music. One of the most talented Polynesian artists to ever do it. Your sound, your soul, your legacy will live on."
Another added: 'George 'Fiji' Veikoso has passed on. A true son of Fiji. Your melodies will always remain a timeless echo of your passion, your talent and the beauty you shared with the world.
'Thank you for the songs, the memories, and the inspiration. You will never be forgotten.'
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Others added: 'Wow so young, thoughts and prayers to his family'... 'Dang! So young too'... 'Wow, so young!! RIP'... 'Rest in peace to the king of Polynesian music'. "I don't want to believe it," one fan posted on Facebook.
"I am so lost for words. The whole PASIFIKA IS MOURNING FOR YOU. The KING, The G.O.A.T of island reggae music."
Damon Elliott, who produced the Grammy-nominated track Applause, said he had lost his best friend and big brother. "He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself," he wrote on Instagram. "He showed me nothing but kindness and love beyond I can't believe it.
"I love you Fiji more than words."
Elliott shared throwback snaps of the pair smiling. Days before his death, Veikoso promoted the 2025 Homecoming concert that is taking place in Fiji in September.
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