George 'Fiji' Veikoso dies aged 55 in Suva
Lice Movono
George 'Fiji' Veikoso helped shape the sounds of Island reggae and R&B.
Photo:
ABC Pacific / Penina Momoisea
Fijian-born recording artist and Pacific music legend George "Fiji" Veikoso has died at the age of 55 in Suva, his family has confirmed.
Best known for shaping the sound of Polynesian reggae and Island R&B, Veikoso spent more than 30 years in Hawai'i, where his music career took off and earned him global fame.
He returned to Fiji in 2024 for his first-ever Homecoming concert, a sold-out event in Nadi that drew thousands of fans from across the Pacific, with a second concert planned for September this year.
Veikoso had spoken publicly about his illness, which saw him perform in a wheelchair and continue touring despite ongoing health challenges.
In a post shared by organisers of the Homecoming Festival, his team said: "As we deal with the immense sadness for our beloved George 'Fiji' Veikoso - a legend whose music united generations and whose spirit uplifted many around the world - we ask for your patience and understanding at this difficult time… Your voice will forever echo in our hearts, Fiji."
Tributes are pouring in from across the Pacific, with fans and fellow artists remembering him as more than a singer; a cultural force, a mentor, and a voice for his people.
Chair of the Fiji Performing Rights Association and fellow music legend Laisa Vulakoro paid tribute, calling it "a great loss for Fiji and the Fiji music industry."
"He's the biggest artist that ever came out of Fiji and the Pacific," she said.
"He made Fiji proud - his name is Fiji."
Vulakoro said Veikoso's contribution went far beyond popularity.
"He started something very distinctive - the way he combined Fijian music into reggae while keeping traditional themes… chants, vude, vanua, identity - he took Fiji music to another level. We all emulated him."
Fighting back tears, she added,
"He was an amazing, amazing human being. My biggest idol. I'm really, really sad today."
George "Fiji" Veikoso leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
-
ABC
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By Lice Movono George 'Fiji' Veikoso helped shape the sounds of Island reggae and R&B. Photo: ABC Pacific / Penina Momoisea Fijian-born recording artist and Pacific music legend George "Fiji" Veikoso has died at the age of 55 in Suva, his family has confirmed. Best known for shaping the sound of Polynesian reggae and Island R&B, Veikoso spent more than 30 years in Hawai'i, where his music career took off and earned him global fame. He returned to Fiji in 2024 for his first-ever Homecoming concert, a sold-out event in Nadi that drew thousands of fans from across the Pacific, with a second concert planned for September this year. Veikoso had spoken publicly about his illness, which saw him perform in a wheelchair and continue touring despite ongoing health challenges. In a post shared by organisers of the Homecoming Festival, his team said: "As we deal with the immense sadness for our beloved George 'Fiji' Veikoso - a legend whose music united generations and whose spirit uplifted many around the world - we ask for your patience and understanding at this difficult time… Your voice will forever echo in our hearts, Fiji." Tributes are pouring in from across the Pacific, with fans and fellow artists remembering him as more than a singer; a cultural force, a mentor, and a voice for his people. Chair of the Fiji Performing Rights Association and fellow music legend Laisa Vulakoro paid tribute, calling it "a great loss for Fiji and the Fiji music industry." "He's the biggest artist that ever came out of Fiji and the Pacific," she said. "He made Fiji proud - his name is Fiji." Vulakoro said Veikoso's contribution went far beyond popularity. "He started something very distinctive - the way he combined Fijian music into reggae while keeping traditional themes… chants, vude, vanua, identity - he took Fiji music to another level. We all emulated him." Fighting back tears, she added, "He was an amazing, amazing human being. My biggest idol. I'm really, really sad today." George "Fiji" Veikoso leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. - ABC
