George 'Fiji' Veikoso passes away

One of the greatest musicians Fiji has ever seen, George 'Fiji' Veikoso has passed away.

fijivillage News had waited for his close family members to be informed before we released the tragic news.

The organizers of Homecoming Music Festival say as we take this moment to honour George's life and legacy, they ask for your patience and understanding at this difficult time.

George is a legend whose music united generations, and whose spirit uplifted many around the world.

They say our thoughts, love and prayers are with George 'Fiji Veikoso' and his family, friends and fans as we all grieve together with the sudden loss of the King of Island Reggae.

They say "Music is the healer, soothing to my soul…” Your voice will forever echo in our hearts, Fiji.

Moce mada George.

Fly high and may your music live forever.

Thousands of people around the world had a minute of silence during the Fijian Media Association Meet the Public and the Press last night to pay tribute to a pioneer in Fijian music, George 'Fiji' Veikoso, who passed away yesterday afternoon.

The minute of silence was observed before the Meet the Public and the Press session in Labasa and livestreamed across 10 media platforms.

Before the minute of silence, Communications Fiji Limited News Director, FMA executive and co-moderator, Vijay Narayan said George was a beloved son of Fiji, a powerful voice for Pacific music and a source of pride for here and overseas.

Veikoso was born in Buretu, Tailevu in 1970.

He started singing young at church with his family.

His uncle, Sakiusa Bulicokocoko, inspired him to pursue music.

According to IMDB, Fiji's political unrest in 1987 led him to move to Hawaii, where he began shaping the sound of the Pacific.

He made his solo debut with 'Evolution' in 1994.

His next album, 'Born & Raised', became an instant favourite in the region.

Hits like 'Lia' and 'Good Thing' remain popular.

Veikoso also co-wrote the theme for 'Baywatch: Hawaii' from 1999 to 2001 and acted in the movie 'Blue Crush' (2002).

He created a blend of Polynesian, Fijian, reggae, and R&B styles. His achievements include Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Male Vocalist and Favourite Entertainer, 1998), Pacific Music Awards (Best Pacific International Artist, 2014) and Lifetime Achievement Award (Pacific Music Awards, 2021).

His collaboration on the "Island Warriors" compilation album also earned a Grammy-nomination for Best Reggae Album.

By 2023, his songs had been played more than 500 million times on music streaming platforms.

Despite ongoing health struggles, he organised 'Homecoming Fiji' concerts and performed until close to his final days. The organizers of Homecoming say as we take this moment to honour George's life and legacy, they ask for your patience and understanding at this difficult time.

I do not want to be anything other than an island artist representing our cultures and languages.

Fijian and Pacific music icon and Legend George "Fiji" Veikoso stated this in a 2017 interview with coconet TV.

Fiji passed away yesterday afternoon.

In that interview, Veikoso also admitted he is a big fan of New Zealand band the Herbs.

Fiji got his big break with his first album “Evolution” in 1994.

He was also an entrepreneur teaming up with Maoli’s Glenn Awong to bring Hawaii’s first Sonic Drive-In to Maui in 2023.

Tributes have started rolling in not just from around the Pacific but around the world for the man known as the Godfather of Island Reggae.

Kapena founding member, Kelly Boy Delima describes Fiji as calling him big brother.

The organizers of Homecoming Music Festival say as we take this moment to honour George's life and legacy, they ask for your patience and understanding at this difficult time.

George is a legend whose music united generations, and whose spirit uplifted many around the world.

They say our thoughts, love and prayers are with George 'Fiji Veikoso' and his family, friends and fans as we all grieve together with the sudden loss of the King of Island Reggae.

They say "Music is the healer, soothing to my soul…” Your voice will forever echo in our hearts, Fiji.

Moce mada George.

Fly high and may your music live forever.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has paid tribute to the late George “Fiji” Veikoso, describing him as a proud son of Fiji and a legend in his own right, whose voice inspired many across the Pacific and around the world.

Rabuka says he is saddened to learn of the passing of one of the greatest musicians of all time.

He says Fiji was a true ambassador for the country on the regional and international stage, and his music inspired generations.

He adds his legacy will live on in the hearts of thousands of people.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji, the Prime Minister extended his deepest condolences to Veikoso’s family, friends, and fans around the world.

Rest in peace, Fiji.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has clarified that, according to Fiji’s current national protocol, only the President is entitled to a state funeral.

This statement comes as many asked whether a state funeral will be held to honour the late George Fiji Veikoso.

Rabuka expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and respect from Fijians and Pacific Islanders for late Veikoso.

He acknowledged how Veikoso’s music touched countless hearts and proudly elevated Fiji’s name across the region and around the world.

While the protocol does not extend a state funeral to Veikoso, the Prime Minister stressed that this does not diminish the significant contributions Veikoso made through his music and cultural legacy.

Rabuka says his influence continues to live on in the hearts of Fijians and beyond.

Rabuka highlighted Veikoso’s roots from Buretu, Tailevu, and praised his global musical impact that makes all Fijians proud.

The Homecoming Concert held last year was a moment of joy and unity for the nation, and his anticipated return this year had been eagerly awaited by many.

The Prime Minister offered his prayers and condolences to Veikoso’s family, friends and fans worldwide, honouring his enduring legacy.

The mataqali na Valelevu, on behalf of the Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa has presented their reguregu to the Vanua o Naibati in Buretu Village, following the passing of a son of Naibati, the late George Fiji Veikoso.

It was stated on Ro Teimumu Kepa’s facebook page that the connection between Valelevu of Burebasaga and the Toranaibati is through Cerecere, who resides in the United States, and Waimoana Logavatu, who is married to Savenaca Veikoso.

Savenaca and the late George Fiji Veikoso are first cousins.

Ro Teimumu stated that it was fitting for them to honour these two links and present their reguregu to the Toranaibati.

American actor and professional wrestler, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has sent his condolences following the passing of George “Fiji” Veikoso.

The Rock says he will miss Veikoso’s voice, describing it as a blessing from God.

He says that Veikoso’s heart and soul were in every lyric he sang, and that mana was present in every word he spoke.

The Rock also acknowledged Veikoso’s contributions in uplifting and inspiring the Polynesian culture, its people, and the world through his music and spirit.

He adds that Veikoso’s legacy will live on forever.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the Homecoming say updates regarding his funeral and also Homecoming Festival will be announced in due course.

The family and estate of George “FIJI” Veikoso have shared that the funeral service for George “FIJI” Veikoso will take place next Tuesday the 12th of August at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

They say this will be a time for family, friends and the community to come together in love, remembrance and gratitude for the life of George “FIJI” Veikoso.

The Veikoso family says entry to the stands at the arena will open from 7:30am with all guests kindly required to be seated by 8:15am.

People are asked to please note that the ground floor seating will be reserved for family and close friends only.

The funeral procession will go along Laucala Bay Road at approximately 8am, arriving at the arena by 8.30am., and the service will start at 9am.

Following the service, family and friends will accompany the funeral cortège to the burial where George “FIJI” Veikoso will be laid to rest in his final resting place, among his ancestors.

The Veikoso family says they wish to extend their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love, support and heartfelt tributes during this difficult time, adding that the kindness, prayers and presence have brought them comfort as we all prepare to farewell our beloved ‘POJI’.

They say as we gather to celebrate his life and bid him farewell, may we carry his spirit with us always, in every song, every story, and every memory shared.

“Music is the healer, soothing to my soul…” - F1J1

Sunrise 10 May 1970 – Sunset 24 July 2025 FIJI FOREVER

The family and estate of George “FIJI” Veikoso have announced that the funeral service celebrating the extraordinary life of our beloved George “FIJI” Veikoso will be streamed live on his official FIJI The Artist YouTube account.

They say through the livestream, they welcome friends, fans, and loved ones, near and far to unite in grief, memory, and celebration of a life that deeply moved hearts around the world.

The Veikoso family says although gathering in person may not be possible for everyone, this digital space gives those around the world to join in spirit.

Viewers can join the stream at 9am tomorrow Fiji Time.

Viewers worldwide can join: 11am HST (Hawaii Standard Time – 11/08/2025) 2pm PST (Pacific Standard Time – 11/08/2025) 5am EST (Eastern Standard Time – 11/08/2025) 9am NZT (New Zealand Time – 12/08/2025) 7am AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time – 12/08/2025)

The Veikoso family is thanking everyone for their continued support, messages of condolence, and prayers during this time.

They say whether near or far, your love and presence are deeply felt.

“Music is the healer, soothing to my soul…” - F1J1

Sunrise 10 May 1970 – Sunset 24 July 2025.

Na Momo na Tui Nadi, Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci is currently escorting the body of George “FIJI” Veikoso to Suva.

Family and friends are also accompanying “FIJI” on his last ride along Queens Highway to Suva.

The family and estate of George “FIJI” Veikoso have announced that the funeral service celebrating the extraordinary life of George will be streamed live on his official FIJI The Artist YouTube account.

They say through the livestream, they welcome friends, fans, and loved ones, near and far to unite in grief, memory, and celebration of a life that deeply moved hearts around the world.

The Veikoso family says although gathering in person may not be possible for everyone, this digital space gives those around the world to join in spirit.

Viewers can join the stream at 9am tomorrow Fiji Time.

Viewers worldwide can join: 11am HST (Hawaii Standard Time – 11/08/2025) 2pm PST (Pacific Standard Time – 11/08/2025) 5am EST (Eastern Standard Time – 11/08/2025) 9am NZT (New Zealand Time – 12/08/2025) 7am AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time – 12/08/2025)

The Veikoso family is thanking everyone for their continued support, messages of condolence, and prayers during this time.

They say whether near or far, your love and presence are deeply felt.

“Music is the healer, soothing to my soul…” - F1J1

Sunrise 10 May 1970 – Sunset 24 July 2025.

Stay with us for updates.