Latest news with #LostCoastSound
Economic Times
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Fiji singer death: Who was George Fiji Veikoso, and has the cause of death been revealed?
George Brooks Veikoso, widely known by his stage name Fiji, has passed away at the age of 55. The news of his untimely demise was confirmed on July 23, 2025, by Polynesian Music via social media, which described him as 'more than an artist — a voice of the people and a movement in himself.' The cause of his death remains undisclosed, sparking questions across the Pacific diaspora as fans ask: how did Fiji passed away? Born on May 10, 1970, in Buretu, Tailevu, Fiji, George Veikoso came from modest beginnings. Influenced by musical relatives, including the late Sakiusa Bulicokocoko and Isireli Racule, Fiji began singing in church before launching his professional career. His first gig paid just five U.S. dollars — a moment that marked the start of what would become a monumental musical journey. After political instability following Fiji's 1987 coups d'état, Veikoso relocated to Hawaii. It was there that he carved out his signature sound, a fusion of reggae, R&B, jazz, and traditional Polynesian rhythm, often called the 'Lost Coast Sound.' His debut solo album 'Evolution' marked a turning point, not only in his career but in the genre of island music at popularity skyrocketed as his music spread across the globe. In 1998, he won the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Favorite Entertainer of the Year. He later earned a Grammy nomination for the compilation 'Island Warriors.' His songs — including co-writing the theme for Baywatch Hawaii — captured the spirit of island life while reaching far beyond the Pacific. With over 500 million streams as of 2023, Fiji's discography resonated with both Polynesian natives and global reggae enthusiasts alike. Some of Fiji's most beloved tracks include: Lia Smokin' Session Sweet Darlin' Morning Ride Jowenna These songs weren't just music — they were part of communal experiences: played at weddings, funerals, road trips, and daily family life. There was, as fans often say, 'a Fiji song in every island playlist.' Polynesian Music, in its emotional tribute on Instagram, described Fiji as a 'light in the dark,' stating, 'His music wasn't just something we listened to. It was something we lived through.' Fans and fellow musicians have since flooded social media with condolences and memories, describing him as the "GOAT" — Greatest of All Time — of Pacific music. Many are still seeking clarity about how did Fiji passed away, as no official statement has been made public about the circumstances of his accolades extended beyond music awards. In 2014, he won the Best Pacific International Artist Award at the Pacific Music Awards. In 2021, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manukau Institute of Technology, further cementing his legacy. His work extended to cinema and television as well. Fiji made a cameo in the surf-themed Hollywood movie Blue Crush , and his voice became synonymous with Baywatch Hawaii , co-singing the theme Let Me Be The One with Glen Medeiros. While the announcement that Fiji died has shaken the Pacific community, his impact endures. His music continues to bring together generations and remains a bridge connecting Fijians at home and abroad. Colleagues in the industry lauded his role in opening doors for young Pacific Islander artists, calling him a standard-bearer for authenticity, soul, and cultural pride. Despite his larger-than-life persona on stage, George Veikoso was known for his humility and warmth in personal interactions. Friends and family recall his deep belief in music as a vessel for healing, connection, and spiritual grounding was evident not just in his lyrics but also in the way he lived — rooted in his culture, devoted to his craft, and endlessly generous in spirit. 'He gave us so much,' Polynesian Music's statement concluded. 'We will carry it with us forever.'George 'Fiji' Veikoso's death leaves a profound void in the global music landscape, particularly among Polynesian communities. His songs remain a testament to his message: resilience, unity, and love. As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, the sentiment remains clear — though Fiji died , his voice lives on. George Brooks Veikoso, popularly known by his stage name Fiji , was a celebrated Pacific Islander musician known for his fusion of reggae, R&B, jazz, and traditional Polynesian rhythms. Born in Buretu, Tailevu, Fiji, he later rose to prominence from Hawaii, shaping what came to be known as the 'Lost Coast Sound.' George Veikoso passed away on July 23, 2025. The news was confirmed by Polynesian Music via social media.
Pink Villa
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Who was George Fiji Veikoso? Exploring Life and Career of Polynesian Singer Amid His Untimely Demise at 55
Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of death. George Fiji Veikoso's sudden passing away at the age of 55 has shocked the music industry. The Polynesian singer breathed his last on July 23, and the unfortunate news was announced on social media. The post went on to describe the late musician as 'more than an artist—a voice of the people and a movement in himself.' While the cause of the singer's death is not yet revealed, tributes have begun to pour in for the music icon from his fans and fellow musicians. Who was George Fiji Veikoso? George Veikoso, born on May 10 in Fiji, had one of the most modest beginnings in the music industry. Before beginning his professional career as a musician, Veikoso was inspired by some of his singer relatives, including the late Sakiusa Bulicokocoko and Isireli Racule, and he began singing in the church. When the singer was headed for his first gig, it paid him only 5 dollars. George Fiji Veikoso's successful career in music The breakthrough moment in the late singer's career came in 1987, when he relocated to Hawaii due to the political instability in Fiji. He produced his signature sound, called the Lost Coast Sound, which was a fusion of reggae, R&B, jazz, and traditional Polynesian rhythm. Soon after creating his trademark sound, Fiji released his debut album, titled Evolution. The tracks released by the musician were marked as the turning point for Fiji's career. Some of Veikoso's popular songs include Lia, Smokin' Session, Sweet Darlin', Morning Ride, and Jowenna. The tracks went on to be so famous that they were played at weddings, road trips, and even funerals. Since the news of George Fiji Veikoso's passing surfaced on the internet, his fans have flooded social media tributes and paid their respects.
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fiji singer death: Who was George Fiji Veikoso, and has the cause of death been revealed?
George Brooks Veikoso, widely known by his stage name Fiji, has passed away at the age of 55. The news of his untimely demise was confirmed on July 23, 2025, by Polynesian Music via social media, which described him as 'more than an artist — a voice of the people and a movement in himself.' The cause of his death remains undisclosed, sparking questions across the Pacific diaspora as fans ask: how did Fiji passed away ? Early Life and Humble Beginnings Born on May 10, 1970, in Buretu, Tailevu, Fiji, George Veikoso came from modest beginnings. Influenced by musical relatives, including the late Sakiusa Bulicokocoko and Isireli Racule, Fiji began singing in church before launching his professional career. His first gig paid just five U.S. dollars — a moment that marked the start of what would become a monumental musical journey. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Digital Marketing Product Management Project Management Public Policy MCA healthcare Cybersecurity Data Science Design Thinking Management Technology Degree others Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics CXO MBA PGDM Operations Management Healthcare Leadership Finance Others Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategies Customer Journey Mapping Paid Advertising Campaign Management Emerging Technologies in Digital Marketing Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Digital Marketing and Analytics Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Exile and Evolution in Hawaii After political instability following Fiji's 1987 coups d'état, Veikoso relocated to Hawaii. It was there that he carved out his signature sound, a fusion of reggae, R&B, jazz, and traditional Polynesian rhythm, often called the 'Lost Coast Sound.' His debut solo album 'Evolution' marked a turning point, not only in his career but in the genre of island music at large. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 21st Century Skills Start with Confident Communication Planet Spark Learn More Undo Musical Milestones and International Acclaim Fiji's popularity skyrocketed as his music spread across the globe. In 1998, he won the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Favorite Entertainer of the Year. He later earned a Grammy nomination for the compilation 'Island Warriors.' His songs — including co-writing the theme for Baywatch Hawaii — captured the spirit of island life while reaching far beyond the Pacific. With over 500 million streams as of 2023, Fiji's discography resonated with both Polynesian natives and global reggae enthusiasts alike. Live Events George Fiji Veikoso's Most Popular Songs Some of Fiji's most beloved tracks include: Lia Smokin' Session Sweet Darlin' Morning Ride Jowenna These songs weren't just music — they were part of communal experiences: played at weddings, funerals, road trips, and daily family life. There was, as fans often say, 'a Fiji song in every island playlist.' Tributes Pour In Following News of Death Polynesian Music, in its emotional tribute on Instagram, described Fiji as a 'light in the dark,' stating, 'His music wasn't just something we listened to. It was something we lived through.' Fans and fellow musicians have since flooded social media with condolences and memories, describing him as the "GOAT" — Greatest of All Time — of Pacific music. Many are still seeking clarity about how did Fiji passed away, as no official statement has been made public about the circumstances of his death. A Lifetime of Honors and Recognition Veikoso's accolades extended beyond music awards. In 2014, he won the Best Pacific International Artist Award at the Pacific Music Awards. In 2021, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manukau Institute of Technology, further cementing his legacy. His work extended to cinema and television as well. Fiji made a cameo in the surf-themed Hollywood movie Blue Crush , and his voice became synonymous with Baywatch Hawaii , co-singing the theme Let Me Be The One with Glen Medeiros. Fiji Died, But His Legacy Sings On While the announcement that Fiji died has shaken the Pacific community, his impact endures. His music continues to bring together generations and remains a bridge connecting Fijians at home and abroad. Colleagues in the industry lauded his role in opening doors for young Pacific Islander artists, calling him a standard-bearer for authenticity, soul, and cultural pride. Remembering the Man Behind the Voice Despite his larger-than-life persona on stage, George Veikoso was known for his humility and warmth in personal interactions. Friends and family recall his deep belief in music as a vessel for healing, connection, and truth. His spiritual grounding was evident not just in his lyrics but also in the way he lived — rooted in his culture, devoted to his craft, and endlessly generous in spirit. 'He gave us so much,' Polynesian Music's statement concluded. 'We will carry it with us forever.' Final Farewell to a Pacific Legend George 'Fiji' Veikoso's death leaves a profound void in the global music landscape, particularly among Polynesian communities. His songs remain a testament to his message: resilience, unity, and love. As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, the sentiment remains clear — though Fiji died , his voice lives on. FAQs Who was George 'Fiji' Veikoso? George Brooks Veikoso, popularly known by his stage name Fiji , was a celebrated Pacific Islander musician known for his fusion of reggae, R&B, jazz, and traditional Polynesian rhythms. Born in Buretu, Tailevu, Fiji, he later rose to prominence from Hawaii, shaping what came to be known as the 'Lost Coast Sound.' When did Fiji pass away? George Veikoso passed away on July 23, 2025. The news was confirmed by Polynesian Music via social media.
