King Charles Park in Nadi came alive as thousands packed in for the Homecoming Festival 2025, kicking off a weekend of music and celebration in honour of George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso.
Many of the artists shared on stage how Fiji has impacted not only their music and careers, but also their lives over the years. Artists including Myshaan, Irie Love, and Spawnbreezie grew emotional as they recalled personal stories about FIJI.

The countdown to Homecoming 2025 is on as staging has arrived at King Charles Park, and construction is in full swing as the festival ground take shape.
Artists from around the world are arriving daily, some landed this morning, while others will arrive today, tomorrow, and throughout the week.
Fans can expect the biggest and strongest lineups the pacific has ever seen with ticket sales are moving fast following two successful pop-up sales in Suva, and tickets are now also available at the Beach Club Wailoaloa, daily from 8am to 5pm until Thursday, 4th September.
The organisers are encouraging fans to buy their tickets early and secure at the cheapest possible price to avoid disappointment.
They say with last year’s long queues and high demand, organizers encourage purchasing ahead to ensure smooth entry.
Event Director Moe Coffey says progress is going really well and their dedicated team is working around the clock to deliver an unforgettable experience for Brother George ‘FIJI’ Veikoso and every one attending.
Coffey says festival-goers can look forward to three themed days, encouraging creativity with outfits and personal style:
The theme for Friday, 5th September – Roots, Reggae, Rhythm – Celebrating roots reggae culture with red, gold and green.
Saturday, 6th September is CountryStyles – fans are encouraged to channel their inner country and western style. Island Vibez is the theme for Sunday, 7th September – a vibrant tribute to Fijian and Pacific island culture, colours, and energy.
While themed days are encouraged, organisers say they are not strict on dress codes, they would love to see how fans interpret each theme and bring their own creativity to the festival.
Gates will open daily from 1pm, giving attendees ample time to enjoy music, performances, and festival activities.
Detailed set times for each artist will be released this week to help fans plan their festival experience.
Adding to the Homecoming experience is the Made in Fiji Makete, a lively marketplace showcasing local talent and flavors.
The Makete will feature 14 food vendors offering delicious local and international cuisine, alongside non-food vendors selling arts, crafts, and unique festival merchandise.
The market will be open from 11am daily, with non-ticket holders are welcome to come and experience the taste and flavours of Fiji.
Festival-goers can also get their hands on official festival merchandise, including the official George FIJI Tribute t-shirt, available exclusively at the festival.
Be sure to grab these keepsakes early to commemorate the celebration and support the legacy of George ‘FIJI’ Veikoso.
Homecoming 2025 is shaping up to be more than a concert; it is a full cultural celebration, bringing together music, fashion, food, and community spirit in a way only Fiji can.
Homecoming 2025 says they are forever grateful to their sponsors for making this event possible: ● CFL-FM96 ● Tourism Fiji ● Rosie Holidays ● Paradise Beverages ● Coca-Cola ● Fiji Airways ● Vodafone ● The Beach Club Wailoaloa ● Pure Fiji

With three days to go till Homecoming Festival 2025, it promises to be even bigger and better with more than 30 of the Pacific’s finest artists, with three days full of nonstop action, music, lights and food on offer.
The Festival will have headliners for each day with Spawnbreezie for the “Roots Reggae Rhythm” on Friday, Maoli on Saturday with “Country Style” and Common Kings and J Boog on Sunday with the “Island Vibez” rounding out the three days.
People can look out for J Boog, Maoli, Common Kings, Spawnbreezie, Sammy Johnson, Sons of Zion, Aaradhna, Irie Love, Swiss, Tomorrow People, The Gang, Lomez Brown, Fejoint, Billy T, Ratu, Nicky, Tree, Steve Macomber, Justin Wellington, House of Shem, Etu, Black Rose Reunion, Finn Gruva, KKU, Paradise Roots, Juben and Richard Parker.
One thing that will be certain is people coming in from around the Pacific and around the world to honour the founder of Homecoming Festival George "F1J1" Veikoso, honour his legacy, celebrate his life, and bring to life his dream and vision for Homecoming Festival.
The organisers say to expect heartfelt tributes and powerful performances dedicated to the Legend and King of Island Reggae, F1J1.
Event Director Moe Coffey says progress is going really well and their dedicated team is working around the clock to deliver an unforgettable experience for Brother George ‘FIJI’ Veikoso and every one attending.
Gates will open daily from 1pm, giving attendees ample time to enjoy music, performances, and festival activities.
Detailed set times for each artist will be released this week to help fans plan their festival experience.
Adding to the Homecoming experience is the Made in Fiji Makete, a lively marketplace showcasing local talent and flavors.
The Makete will feature 14 food vendors offering delicious local and international cuisine, alongside non-food vendors selling arts, crafts, and unique festival merchandise.
The market will be open from 11am daily, with non-ticket holders welcome to come and experience the taste and flavours of Fiji.
Festival-goers can also get their hands on official festival merchandise, including the official George FIJI Tribute t-shirt, available exclusively at the festival.
Be sure to grab these keepsakes early to commemorate the celebration and support the legacy of George ‘FIJI’ Veikoso.

The organisers of the Homecoming Music Festival have officially announced the lineup of vendors for the 2025 festival this weekend.
The exciting announcement was made on social media, revealing a diverse range of vendors offering delicious bites, refreshing drinks, and island vibes to keep festival-goers energized throughout the weekend.
Festival attendees can look forward to enjoying the best of Fiji’s culinary delights from Baked By Tiare, Smiths do it all, Niu Grillz, Viti Tacos, Sweet Endings, and many more.
With two days to go until Homecoming Festival 2025, it promises to be even bigger and better with more than 30 of the Pacific’s finest artists, and three days full of nonstop action, music, lights, and food on offer.
The festival will have headliners for each day with Spawnbreezie for the “Roots Reggae Rhythm” on Friday, Maoli on Saturday with “Country Style,” and Common Kings and J Boog on Sunday with the “Island Vibez” rounding out the three days.
People can look out for J Boog, Maoli, Common Kings, Spawnbreezie, Sammy Johnson, Sons of Zion, Aaradhna, Irie Love, Swiss, Tomorrow People, The Gang, Lomez Brown, Fejoint, Billy T, Ratu, Nicky, Tree, Steve Macomber, Justin Wellington, House of Shem, Etu, Black Rose Reunion, Finn Gruva, KKU, Paradise Roots, Juben and Richard Parker.
Event Director Moe Coffey says progress is going really well and their dedicated team is working around the clock to deliver an unforgettable experience for Brother George ‘FIJI’ Veikoso and everyone attending.
Gates will open daily from 1pm, giving attendees ample time to enjoy music, performances, and festival activities. Detailed set times for each artist will be released this week to help fans plan their festival experience.

The late George “Fiji” Veikoso’s final interview with the FM96 team has been released, before the Homecoming Music Festival is set to take place this weekend at King Charles Park in Nadi.
In the interview, Veikoso spoke about how the festival came to be, crediting collaboration, compassion, and his desire to give without expecting anything in return.
He said the idea for the festival was supported by his close friends and colleagues in the industry, including Moe, who helped bring together artists from New Zealand and around the Pacific.
Veikoso said Fiji is where the world should be and that the country carries culture, respect, and courtesy.
Speaking on this year’s festival, Veikoso said fans should expect “the most unbelievable lineup,” adding that the event is about giving people time to relax, enjoy, and celebrate who they are.
The festival will have headliners for each day with Spawnbreezie for the “Roots Reggae Rhythm” today, Maoli on tommorow with “Country Style,” and Common Kings and J Boog on Sunday with the “Island Vibez” rounding out the three days.
People can look out for J Boog, Maoli, Common Kings, Spawnbreezie, Sammy Johnson, Sons of Zion, Aaradhna, Irie Love, Swiss, Tomorrow People, The Gang, Lomez Brown, Fejoint, Billy T, Ratu, Nicky, Tree, Steve Macomber, Justin Wellington, House of Shem, Etu, Black Rose Reunion, Finn Gruva, KKU, Paradise Roots, Juben and Richard Parker.
Gates will open daily from 1pm, giving attendees ample time to enjoy music, performances, and festival activities.


Music is a healer, soothing to the soul.
This was shared by the late George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso while speaking to FM96 on the Homecoming Music Festival.
As day one kicks off for the much-anticipated festival today at King's Charles Park, music lovers from all over the county, Pacific, and the world will unite to pay tribute to Veikoso and celebrate culture, connection, and the music that unites everyone.
In his final interview with the FM96 team, Veikoso urged everyone to have fun, take a load off because life is hard and people should have fun.
Spawnbreezie is headlining today and will start performing at 9pm.
Today will also feature Bula Groove ft. Stece and Di Tui, K.K.U, Justin Wellington, Myshaa, Irie Love, Paradise Roots, Black Rose, Tomorrow People, Fejoint and Lomez Brown.
Maoli headlines tomorrow with “Country Style,” and Common Kings and J Boog on Sunday with the “Island Vibez” rounding out the three days.
People can also look out for J Boog, Maoli, Sons of Zion, Aaradhna, Swiss, The Gang, Billy T, Ratu, Nicky, Tree, Steve Macomber, House of Shem, Etu, Black Rose Reunion, Finn Gruva, Juben and Richard Parker in the three days.
The entire three-day festival will be live-streamed for just NZD $18 per day, which is approximately FJD $25 per day, allowing people to enjoy all the music and festivities from the comfort of their own homes.
The festival will be live-streamed on the Homecoming Festival website homecomingfiji.com
Gates will open daily from 1pm, giving attendees ample time to enjoy music, performances, and festival activities.
Ticketing tents are now open as online ticket sale has closed.
VVIP tickets are sold out.
The three-day festival pass for General Admission is $289, while single-day GA tickets are $159.
VIP tickets cost $489 for a three-day pass, or $239 per day.
People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Prohibited items include outside food and drinks, drugs, weapons, professional cameras or recording equipment, drones, glass containers, and large backpacks.

Gates are now open at the Homecoming Festival 2025, with people already making their way to King's Charles Park.
Attendees have travelled from around the region and the world to be at the festival this weekend and witness more than 30 artists taking to the Homecoming stage.
With just a few weeks since the passing of Homecoming founder George F1J1 Veikoso, the artists are not just coming to perform but also to pay tribute to “FIJI,” who contributed in some way to their careers.
Food stalls are lined up just inside the gates, allowing people to grab a bite before heading to the main area where all the music is.
The headliner for today is Spawnbreezie.
Other artists include, Wayne, KKU, Bula Groove ft Steve and Di Tui, Justin Wellington, Myshaan, Black Rose, Paradise Roots, Tomorrow People, and Fejoint & Lonez Brown.
Gates close at 10pm daily.
Maoli headlines tomorrow with “Country Style,” and Common Kings and J Boog on Sunday with the “Island Vibez” rounding out the three days.
People can also look out for Maoli, Sons of Zion, Aaradhna, Swiss, The Gang, Billy T, Ratu, Nicky, Tree, Steve Macomber, House of Shem, Etu, Black Rose Reunion, Finn Gruva, Juben and Richard Parker in the three days.
The entire three-day festival will be live-streamed for just NZD $18 per day, which is approximately FJD $25 per day, allowing people to enjoy all the music and festivities from the comfort of their own homes.
The festival will be live-streamed on the Homecoming Festival website homecomingfiji.com
Ticketing tents are now open as online ticket sale has closed.
VVIP tickets are sold out.
The three-day festival pass for General Admission is $289, while single-day GA tickets are $159.
VIP tickets cost $489 for a three-day pass, or $239 per day.
People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Prohibited items include outside food and drinks, drugs, weapons, professional cameras or recording equipment, drones, glass containers, and large backpacks.

The tropical sounds of the Homecoming Music Festival have drawn music lovers from across the Pacific, including three vibrant women from New Zealand who made their very first trip to Fiji just to be part of the celebration.
Leu'u, Mata, and Tepora — friends hailing from Wellington and Porirua — spoke to fijivillage News today at King Charles Park with beaming smiles as they shared their excitement for the three-day festival.
They say their journey, planned two months in advance, brought them to Fiji just three days ago, and they are already captivated by the island’s beauty and spirit.
I
Mata echoed the sentiment, noting the absence of the late artist, while Tepora, representing Porirua, named Maoli as her top act for the weekend.
They say Fiji is a beautiful place and they are happy to be experiencing their first time at the music festival.
Meawhile, Food stalls are lined up just inside the gates, allowing people to grab a bite before heading to the main area where all the music is.
The headliner for today is Spawnbreezie.
Other artists include, Wayne, KKU, Bula Groove ft Steve and Di Tui, Justin Wellington, Myshaan, Black Rose, Paradise Roots, Tomorrow People, and Fejoint & Lonez Brown.
Gates close at 10pm daily.
Maoli headlines tomorrow with “Country Style,” and Common Kings and J Boog on Sunday with the “Island Vibez” rounding out the three days.
People can also look out for Sons of Zion, Aaradhna, Swiss, The Gang, Billy T, Ratu, Nicky, Tree, Steve Macomber, House of Shem, Etu, Black Rose Reunion, Finn Gruva, Juben and Richard Parker in the three days.
The entire three-day festival is also being be live-streamed on the Homecoming Festival website homecomingfiji.com for just NZD $18 per day, which is about FJD $25 per day, allowing people to enjoy all the music and festivities from the comfort of their own homes.
Ticketing tents are open as online ticket sale has closed.
VVIP tickets are sold out.
The three-day festival pass for General Admission is $289, while single-day GA tickets are $159.
VIP tickets cost $489 for a three-day pass, or $239 per day.
People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Prohibited items include outside food and drinks, drugs, weapons, professional cameras or recording equipment, drones, glass containers, and large backpacks.

Hawaiian artist Irie Love described the Pacific as “many islands but one tribe.”
Love, who is on her first trip to Fiji, had the Nadi crowd captivated, with fans singing along to her songs.
She also emotionally performed a song written by George ‘FIJI’ Veikoso.
Love, who has recorded a few songs with FIJI including “It is what it is", says she was saddened that she could not share the stage with him on her first visit to his homeland.
Paradise Rootz are currently performing.
Coming up later tonight, Black Rose, Tomorrow People, Fejoint & Lomez Brown, and headliner Spawnbreezie.
Gates close at 10pm daily.
Maoli headlines tomorrow with “Country Style,” and Common Kings and J Boog on Sunday with the “Island Vibez” rounding out the three days.
People can also look out for Sons of Zion, Aaradhna, Swiss, The Gang, Billy T, Ratu, Nicky, Tree, Steve Macomber, House of Shem, Etu, Black Rose Reunion, Finn Gruva, Juben and Richard Parker in the three days.
The entire three-day festival is also being be live-streamed on the Homecoming Festival website homecomingfiji.com for just NZD $18 per day, which is about FJD $25 per day, allowing people to enjoy all the music and festivities from the comfort of their own homes.
Ticketing tents are open as online ticket sale has closed.
VVIP tickets are sold out.
The three-day festival pass for General Admission is $289, while single-day GA tickets are $159.
VIP tickets cost $489 for a three-day pass, or $239 per day.
People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Prohibited items include outside food and drinks, drugs, weapons, professional cameras or recording equipment, drones, glass containers, and large backpacks.

The tropical sounds of the Homecoming Music Festival have drawn music lovers from across the Pacific, including three vibrant women from New Zealand who made their very first trip to Fiji just to be part of the celebration.
Leu'u, Mata, and Tepora — friends hailing from Wellington and Porirua — spoke to fijivillage News today at King Charles Park with beaming smiles as they shared their excitement for the three-day festival.
They say their journey, planned two months in advance, brought them to Fiji just three days ago, and they are already captivated by the island’s beauty and spirit.
I
Mata echoed the sentiment, noting the absence of the late artist, while Tepora, representing Porirua, named Maoli as her top act for the weekend.
They say Fiji is a beautiful place and they are happy to be experiencing their first time at the music festival.
Meawhile, Food stalls are lined up just inside the gates, allowing people to grab a bite before heading to the main area where all the music is.
The headliner for today is Spawnbreezie.
Other artists include, Wayne, KKU, Bula Groove ft Steve and Di Tui, Justin Wellington, Myshaan, Black Rose, Paradise Roots, Tomorrow People, and Fejoint & Lonez Brown.
Gates close at 10pm daily.
Maoli headlines tomorrow with “Country Style,” and Common Kings and J Boog on Sunday with the “Island Vibez” rounding out the three days.
People can also look out for Sons of Zion, Aaradhna, Swiss, The Gang, Billy T, Ratu, Nicky, Tree, Steve Macomber, House of Shem, Etu, Black Rose Reunion, Finn Gruva, Juben and Richard Parker in the three days.
The entire three-day festival is also being be live-streamed on the Homecoming Festival website homecomingfiji.com for just NZD $18 per day, which is about FJD $25 per day, allowing people to enjoy all the music and festivities from the comfort of their own homes.
Ticketing tents are open as online ticket sale has closed.
VVIP tickets are sold out.
The three-day festival pass for General Admission is $289, while single-day GA tickets are $159.
VIP tickets cost $489 for a three-day pass, or $239 per day.
People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Prohibited items include outside food and drinks, drugs, weapons, professional cameras or recording equipment, drones, glass containers, and large backpacks.

Gates are now open at the Homecoming Festival 2025, with people already making their way to King's Charles Park.
Attendees have travelled from around the region and the world to be at the festival this weekend and witness more than 30 artists taking to the Homecoming stage.
With just a few weeks since the passing of Homecoming founder George F1J1 Veikoso, the artists are not just coming to perform but also to pay tribute to “FIJI,” who contributed in some way to their careers.
Food stalls are lined up just inside the gates, allowing people to grab a bite before heading to the main area where all the music is.
The headliner for today is Spawnbreezie.
Other artists include, Wayne, KKU, Bula Groove ft Steve and Di Tui, Justin Wellington, Myshaan, Black Rose, Paradise Roots, Tomorrow People, and Fejoint & Lonez Brown.
Gates close at 10pm daily.
Maoli headlines tomorrow with “Country Style,” and Common Kings and J Boog on Sunday with the “Island Vibez” rounding out the three days.
People can also look out for Maoli, Sons of Zion, Aaradhna, Swiss, The Gang, Billy T, Ratu, Nicky, Tree, Steve Macomber, House of Shem, Etu, Black Rose Reunion, Finn Gruva, Juben and Richard Parker in the three days.
The entire three-day festival will be live-streamed for just NZD $18 per day, which is approximately FJD $25 per day, allowing people to enjoy all the music and festivities from the comfort of their own homes.
The festival will be live-streamed on the Homecoming Festival website homecomingfiji.com
Ticketing tents are now open as online ticket sale has closed.
VVIP tickets are sold out.
The three-day festival pass for General Admission is $289, while single-day GA tickets are $159.
VIP tickets cost $489 for a three-day pass, or $239 per day.
People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Prohibited items include outside food and drinks, drugs, weapons, professional cameras or recording equipment, drones, glass containers, and large backpacks.

Music is a healer, soothing to the soul.
This was shared by the late George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso while speaking to FM96 on the Homecoming Music Festival.
As day one kicks off for the much-anticipated festival today at King's Charles Park, music lovers from all over the county, Pacific, and the world will unite to pay tribute to Veikoso and celebrate culture, connection, and the music that unites everyone.
In his final interview with the FM96 team, Veikoso urged everyone to have fun, take a load off because life is hard and people should have fun.
Spawnbreezie is headlining today and will start performing at 9pm.
Today will also feature Bula Groove ft. Stece and Di Tui, K.K.U, Justin Wellington, Myshaa, Irie Love, Paradise Roots, Black Rose, Tomorrow People, Fejoint and Lomez Brown.
Maoli headlines tomorrow with “Country Style,” and Common Kings and J Boog on Sunday with the “Island Vibez” rounding out the three days.
People can also look out for J Boog, Maoli, Sons of Zion, Aaradhna, Swiss, The Gang, Billy T, Ratu, Nicky, Tree, Steve Macomber, House of Shem, Etu, Black Rose Reunion, Finn Gruva, Juben and Richard Parker in the three days.
The entire three-day festival will be live-streamed for just NZD $18 per day, which is approximately FJD $25 per day, allowing people to enjoy all the music and festivities from the comfort of their own homes.
The festival will be live-streamed on the Homecoming Festival website homecomingfiji.com
Gates will open daily from 1pm, giving attendees ample time to enjoy music, performances, and festival activities.
Ticketing tents are now open as online ticket sale has closed.
VVIP tickets are sold out.
The three-day festival pass for General Admission is $289, while single-day GA tickets are $159.
VIP tickets cost $489 for a three-day pass, or $239 per day.
People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Prohibited items include outside food and drinks, drugs, weapons, professional cameras or recording equipment, drones, glass containers, and large backpacks.

The late George “Fiji” Veikoso’s final interview with the FM96 team has been released, before the Homecoming Music Festival is set to take place this weekend at King Charles Park in Nadi.
In the interview, Veikoso spoke about how the festival came to be, crediting collaboration, compassion, and his desire to give without expecting anything in return.
He said the idea for the festival was supported by his close friends and colleagues in the industry, including Moe, who helped bring together artists from New Zealand and around the Pacific.
Veikoso said Fiji is where the world should be and that the country carries culture, respect, and courtesy.
Speaking on this year’s festival, Veikoso said fans should expect “the most unbelievable lineup,” adding that the event is about giving people time to relax, enjoy, and celebrate who they are.
The festival will have headliners for each day with Spawnbreezie for the “Roots Reggae Rhythm” today, Maoli on tommorow with “Country Style,” and Common Kings and J Boog on Sunday with the “Island Vibez” rounding out the three days.
People can look out for J Boog, Maoli, Common Kings, Spawnbreezie, Sammy Johnson, Sons of Zion, Aaradhna, Irie Love, Swiss, Tomorrow People, The Gang, Lomez Brown, Fejoint, Billy T, Ratu, Nicky, Tree, Steve Macomber, Justin Wellington, House of Shem, Etu, Black Rose Reunion, Finn Gruva, KKU, Paradise Roots, Juben and Richard Parker.
Gates will open daily from 1pm, giving attendees ample time to enjoy music, performances, and festival activities.


It is Day 2 of the Homecoming Festival Fiji 2025, and judging by yesterday's turnout, today is expected to be even bigger and better, with Maoli as the headliner.
Today's theme is "Country Style", and the organisers are encouraging attendees to come dressed according to the theme.
Artists performing today include J Sqze, Nicky and Ouvacast, Junior Soqeta, Jaro Local, Richard Parker, Etu, Aaradhna, Sammy Johnson, and House of Shem.
Gates will open within the next hour and close at 10pm.
The festival is also being live-streamed on the Homecoming Festival website, homecomingfiji.com, for NZD $18 (about FJD $25) per day, giving fans the chance to enjoy all the music and festivities from the comfort of their own homes.
People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Prohibited items include outside food and drinks, drugs, weapons, professional cameras or recording equipment, drones, glass containers, and large backpacks.

Fans are turning out in force today to honour the legacy of iconic artists and support rising local talent.
Among the crowd was 50-year-old George, a Nadi local attending his second Homecoming concert.
Speaking to fijivillage News, George shared his reflections on the event and the lasting impact of the late artist, George FIJI Veikoso.
George says he and his wife, Lanieta, were looking forward to watching FIJI, and says that though he has passed on, they still attended to support Pacific music, because that is what FIJI brought.
George describes the late artist as someone whose music and lyrics made everyone feel a personal connection.
He says Fiji was the kind of guy who would sing his lyrics, and everybody feels like they know him personally.
He says that is why it’s important for people to attend the concert and show their support.
He shares that planning for the event started around two months ago for him and his wife.
He says FIJI did not just bring the Fijians together; he brought the Pacific together, which he says is an awesome thing.
Today's theme is 'Country Style' and gates will close at 10pm.
The entire three-day festival is also being live-streamed on the Homecoming Festival website, homecomingfiji.com, for NZD $18, which is about FJD $25 per day, giving fans the chance to enjoy all the music and festivities from the comfort of their own homes.
People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Prohibited items include outside food and drinks, drugs, weapons, professional cameras or recording equipment, drones, glass containers, and large backpacks.

Local artist Ratu is gearing up to perform at the Homecoming Music Festival today at King Charles Park in Nadi, sharing both his excitement and gratitude ahead of the event.
Despite battling a fever this week, Ratu says he is determined to give fans an unforgettable performance, inspired by the late George “FIJI” Veikoso, fondly known to him as Uncle Poji.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Ratu says the show must go on, and he says Uncle Poji would not want him to give any excuses.
Ratu also reflected on the impact of his recent collaboration with Fiji,’Vude Mai’, describing it as a milestone in his music career.
He says he is still mindblown to have been given the opportunity to work with Veikoso before his passing, especially when it was something that he didn’t expect to happen.
Looking ahead, Ratu also expressed his hopes for more homecoming concerts in the future—particularly with greater representation of Melanesian artists.
Other artists performing today are Ju Ben, Ciwa, Billy T, Swiss & Tree, Finn Gruva, Sons of Zion, Common Kings, and J-Boog, who will be headlining.
Gates will open at 1pm and close at 10pm.
The entire three-day festival is also being live-streamed on the Homecoming Festival website, homecomingfiji.com, for NZD $18, which is about FJD $25 per day, giving fans the chance to enjoy all the music and festivities from the comfort of their own homes. People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Prohibited items include outside food and drinks, drugs, weapons, professional cameras or recording equipment, drones, glass containers, and large backpacks.

New Zealand soul and reggae artist Sammy Johnson delivered an emotional tribute to his late friend and collaborator, George FIJI Veikoso, during a heartfelt interview last night at the Homecoming Music Festival held at King Charles Park in Nadi.
While many fans remember George primarily for his musical talent, Johnson emphasized a lesser-known side of the artist — his humour.
Johnson says Veikoso could light up a room just by being himself.
He described Veikoso as one of his closest friends, reflecting on the deep bond they shared both professionally and personally.
He says that spending time with the late legend is something that he will always cherish, and now, it is still unreal to him that he has passed on.
When asked what he would say to Veikoso if he were still here, Johnson’s words were simple, yet powerful: a big thank you and “I love you” for taking a chance on him.
He adds that Veikoso’s dream was for their music to reach mainstream audiences — a vision that continues to drive Johnson and the broader Pacific music community.
Sammy Johnson performed a few of his biggest hits last night in front of thousands of people.
Meanwhile, people are turning up in numbers for Day 3 of the Festival.
Artists that will be performing today are Ju Ben, Ciwa, Billy T, Swiss & Tree, Finn Gruva, Sons of Zion, Common Kings, and J-Boog, who will be headlining.
Gates have opened and will close at 10pm.
The entire three-day festival is also being live-streamed on the Homecoming Festival website, homecomingfiji.com, for NZD $18, which is about FJD $25 per day, giving fans the chance to enjoy all the music and festivities from the comfort of their own homes. People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Prohibited items include outside food and drinks, drugs, weapons, professional cameras or recording equipment, drones, glass containers, and large backpacks.

Good news for those of you that missed out this year's Homecoming Music Festival as Master of Ceremonies, Tofiga Fepuleai confirmed that there will be Homecoming Music Festival 2026.
Fepuleai confirmed this at the end of tonight's show.
J Boog closed out the night with a spectacular performance in tribute to George FIJI Veikoso at the end of his set.
Before that, Common Kings had brought out J Boog for a couple of their songs which he featured on.
Today's lineup featured artists like Ju Ben, Ciwa and Asinate, The Gang, Billy T and Ratu, and the Sons of Zion.
Meanwhile, people turned up in numbers for final day of the festival.

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations