A journey which began four years ago in a bid to advocate on climate change has finally taken shape for nine young, enthusiastic Fijian artists.
The new single titled Make A Change was produced in June this year with the aim of raising awareness on this issue which is affecting the world.
Artist Savuto Vakadewavosa said this production was basically about young artists coming together to raise awareness and making a stand on a universal cause affecting all of us.
“This song, has been a journey, if I may say,” Vakadewavosa said. “We came together as young upcoming artists a couple of years back (2010), where we felt that we needed to raise awareness on a cause through the best way we know how, which was through music.
“We are part of a new movement called HopeFiji which focuses on young singers who aspire to be recording artists. We finally got to produce it proper this year, June 2014.”
Climate change, he believes, is something we all should know and be talking about as it is affecting everyone. Vakadewavosa said informed people would then know what to do.
And the message in the song is what the nine believe will make it possible to grasp its importance.
“Well for me, basically, it’s to raise awareness on this worthy cause in the hopes that bigger nations see how climate change is affecting us.
“I hope that people are able to relate to this song and use it as a tool to raise awareness as music is one of the most effective mediums of disseminating information.
“I wrote and composed the song and when in studio I asked for assistance from Pasifika Voices Music director Eroni Dina who directed our recording sessions.
The song, which is a hit in Fiji, features Paulini Cava, Pauliasi Koroiwaca, Tua Mainavukea, Vilisi Waqatakirewa, Ilisavani Cava, Elena Baravilala, Eroni Dina, Kiti Niumataiwalu and Vakadewavosa.
It was produced by Michael Irava and recorded at the Stage Tech Studios. The video production was from Bright Future films under the direction of award-winning video producer Rajnel Prasad.
The response, Vakadewavosa said, had been overwhelming especially from NGOs and organisations which were also joining in to raise awareness on the cause and they urged people to share the link of the video and get the song, video and most importantly, make a change!
Sharing his story on the project, he said it was crazy fun and nerve-wracking as the co-ordinator but was indeed an empowering experience.
“I am so very thankful and blessed to be given the opportunity to have this project come to life after many years of trying to find a possible funder.
” So I thank Professor Ian Rouse who is the dean of the Fiji School of Medicine and Health Science, who made it possible with FNU.
“I thank everyone at HopeFiji, Laisa Vulakoro for her direction, Epi Nasaroa, my mum for being my biggest supporter, my cousin Delana for being there with me and everyone who I haven’t mentioned but know that I am truly grateful.”
The nine hope with the video now out they will, with all Fijians, make a real change in terms of viewing climate change and its impact on society.
