Our most accomplished musician and the King of Island Music, George FIJI Veikoso was farewelled in a fitting funeral service at the Vodafone Arena today.
Family, close friends, musicians, sportspeople and fans from around Fiji, the Pacific and the world paid their final respects to FIJI.
George’s mum, Adi Nanise Veikoso and his children had come in from abroad for the funeral service today.
George FIJI's mother with her grandson
George’s mum was also present during the reguregu at Buretu Village in Tailevu over the weekend, and yesterday at the Vodafone Arena.
The women from George’s village, Buretu were also sitting on the tapa next to his casket during the funeral service.
While delivering his eulogy, George’s cousin, David Stephens who stayed with George and looked after him with other close family members and associates until his passing in Nadi, said from the very beginning, the King of Pacific Reggae, George FIJI Veikoso carried the heart of a fighter, not for himself alone, but for everyone who lives.
Stephens said they gather to honour and celebrate the life of a man whose journey began in the humble suburb of Raiwaqa or RRA as they proudly call it.
He said George’s music carried him to the farthest shores of the Pacific. Stephens said born into a family that faced the struggle of economic hardship, Poji rose above it all through sheer passion and love for music.
He said George’s story is one of the resilience, determination, and an unshakable belief in the power of his heart.
Stephens said from this early days of Rootstrata to the breakdance battles on the streets of Raiwaqa, Poji was always in motion, and always creating.
He said that's the spirit that shaped him, a communal life where survival meant looking out for each other where negotiating for the best deal began as kids playing marbles on the footpath, and negotiate he did, whether for himself or for the countless musicians he would later help.
Stephens said Poji always fought to open doors - Hawaii, Tonga, Samoa, and New Zealand - these became his stages, his platforms, his family away from home, and yet no matter how far he went, Raiwaqa was always in his heart.
He said George’s greatest joy was bringing the success back here as he dreamt of connecting aspiring Fijian musicians to same global platforms.
Stephens said George’s dream became a reality at last year's Homecoming where he brought together local talent like never before, and this year's lineup, which he had been working on, was set to be even bigger.
Stephens said George had a mission to build bridges, not to break bridges, and one of his last words he said to him and to his sister, Beatrice and the rest of those who took care of him - enjoy the moment.
George FIJI Veikoso has been laid to rest with his ancestors at Lovonilase Cemetery in Suva.
George FIJI Veikoso’s son, Shiloh Veikoso says his father was like Superman and although he was busy travelling the world, he always told his children that he was always there for them.
While delivering his eulogy at his dad’s funeral service, Shiloh said he knows his father always meant that he will always be there for the children in spirit.
Shiloh thanked everyone for attending the service.
Following the service at the Vodafone Arena, family and friends including those from around the Pacific and the world, accompanied the funeral cortège to Lovonilase Cemetery where George “FIJI” Veikoso, the King of Island Music, was laid to rest in his final resting place, among his ancestors.
My father was everything to us, and he lifted everyone up, and expected nothing in return.
Those are the words of George FIJI Veikoso’s daughter, Arieta Veikoso as she said that her father was in so much pain for so long.
Arieta said her dad was very special and she thanked everyone for coming over to celebrate his life.
The Pacific music community from around the world that attended the funeral, also sang an emotional gospel song, Worthy Is The Lamb, in many Pacific languages for George FIJI Veikoso.
The funeral service was attended by many around Fiji and the world including musicians and sportspeople.
Former world heavyweight Samoa boxer, David Tua also delivered a eulogy.
The King of Island Music, George FIJI Veikoso has been laid to rest among his ancestors at Lovonilase Cemetery in Suva.
Fiji's most accomplished musician and the King of Island Music, George FIJI Veikoso has been laid to rest at Lovonilase Cemetery in Suva.
Hundreds turned up at the Vodafone Arena to pay their final respects to FIJI.
Attending the funeral service were renowned musicians J Boog, Tenelle, Danny Kennedy, Finn Gruva, the Surviving Brother of Na Drua, Canaan Ene, and others.
Also attending the funeral was Burebasaga High Chief Na Marama Bale Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Aviation and Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga and former world heavyweight boxer David Tua.
The first eulogy was delivered by George’s cousin who is his mother’s namesake, Adi Nanise Veikoso.
This was followed by George’s son, Shiloh Veikoso.
The next eulogy was given by George’s daughter, Arieta Veikoso.
Musician and George’s cousin who was by George’s side everyday as he battled his sickness, David Stephens also delivered a very emotional eulogy.
The next eulogy was given by Hawaii Musician Danny Kennedy.
Followed by former heavyweight champion and boxer David Tua.
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