George “Fiji” Veikoso, Legendary Pacific Music Icon, Dies at 55
Suva, Fiji — George Brooks Veikoso, better known by his stage name Fiji, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Suva, surrounded by family. He was 55 years old and is being mourned across the Pacific and beyond NZ Herald+11Instagram+11ABC+11.
Early Life & Rise to Fame
Born on May 10, 1970, in Tailevu Province, Fiji, Veikoso began singing in church and earned his first professional performance fee of just $5 Instagram+6Fiji Times+6SoapCentral+6. In 1987, following political turmoil in Fiji, he moved to Hawaii, joining the reggae band Rootstrata before launching a solo career Fiji Times+1The Sun+1.
Musical Achievements
- His debut album Evolution dropped in 1994, followed by the chart-topping Born & Raised in 1996, featuring hits like “Lia”, “Symphony of Love”, “Nasty” and “Good Thing” https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com+1The Economic Times+1.
- He garnered major honors including the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for Male Vocalist and Favorite Entertainer in 1998 NZ Herald+6Fiji Times+6https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com+6.
- Veikoso also co-wrote and performed the theme for Baywatch: Hawaii and appeared in the 2002 film Blue Crush The Economic Times+10Fiji Times+10The Sun+10.
Impact & Legacy
- He won the Best Pacific International Artist award in 2014 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 for his instrumental role in Polynesian reggae Wikipedia+8The Economic Times+8The Sun+8.
- His “Fiji Homecoming” concert in September 2024, held in Nadi, Fiji, drew international artists and fans, generating an estimated FJD 1 million for the local economy NationalWorld+5Wikipedia+5NZ Herald+5.
Final Moments
Reports confirm he died in Suva, his homeland, and had been managing an undisclosed illness—performing even from a wheelchair ABC.
Tributes Pour In
The Fiji Times highlights heartfelt social media tributes from fans and colleagues, describing him as “a cultural movement,” “a voice for the people,” and “a beacon of light” ABC+3Fiji Times+3The Sun+3.
From ABC Pacific, Laisa Vulakoro, Chair of the Fiji Performing Rights Association, said:
“He started something very distinctive—he took Fijian music to another level… He was an amazing, amazing human being. My biggest idol.” Wikipedia+2ABC+2Wikipedia+2
Other artists, including Kiwi reggae band Sons of Zion and Grammy-nominated producer Damon Elliott, paid tribute:
“Forever in our hearts. Love you, Fiji…” and “I just lost my best friend and big brother…” Rova+1The Sun+1.
From Church Choir in Fiji to Global Stages
Fiji’s journey—from humble beginnings and church choirs, to redefining Polynesian reggae—spanned over three decades. With a catalog surpassing 500 million streams, he blended his Fijian heritage with modern reggae, leaving behind an enduring legacy ABC+5Fiji Times+5NationalWorld+5.
What’s Happening Next
- Cause of death has not been officially disclosed.
- Plans for the September 2025 Homecoming festival in Suva are now uncertain as fans await updates SoapCentral+1NationalWorld+1NationalWorld+3Wikipedia+3The Sun+3.
- A public memorial in Suva is expected soon, with details to be confirmed by Polynesian Music.
In Memoriam
Fiji not only shaped the soundscape of Pacific music but also served as a cultural ambassador, mentoring artists and uplifting communities worldwide. His music continues to connect generations across the islands—his voice, truly “a song that will never fade.”
Follow us on social mwdia
https://www.facebook.com/shugalnews1
https://www.instagram.com/shugalnews
