Fiji’s music combines Indigenous Fijian and Indo-Fijian traditions with church harmony, string-band music, vude, reggae, and contemporary Pacific pop. These examples feature two enduring popular figures: vude pioneer Seru Serevi and singer-songwriter George “Fiji” Veikoso.
Fiji is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. Though geographically Melanesian, the music of Fiji is more Polynesian in character. Nevertheless, Fijian folk styles are distinct in their fusion of Polynesian and Melanesian traditions. Folk music is dominated by vocal church music, as well as dances characterized by rich harmony and complex percussion made from slit drums or natural materials.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia’s “Music of Fiji” article
Seru Serevi, widely known as Fiji’s “Vude King,” represents a modern style built for communal singing and dance.
George Veikoso, who performed as Fiji, brought Fijian and wider Pacific sounds to an international audience.