Fiji’s most prolific songwriter, musician, entertainer, producer and performing artist Daniel Rae Costello was posthumously awarded the Pacific Music Awards Trust’s Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement award in New Zealand last Saturday.
The award, given to those who had made outstanding contributions towards the production, performance and development of music in the region, was deservedly awarded to a man who had dedicated most of his 58 years towards the pursuit of musical excellence.
In a career that spanned more than four decades, Danny — as he was popularly known — recorded, produced and released about 40 albums and performed more than 4000 gigs in 20 countries.
Beginning with the album Tropical Sunset in 1979 and ending with Light Up The World, released in 2009, Danny certainly knew how to churn out the hits.
The Pacific Music Trust said they were recognising Danny for his musical works, influence and achievement as the “Fijian guitarist who captured the hearts of listeners globally”.
His friends, music mates and family will always remember him as a Lautoka boy who was full of fun, pranks and one who loved to indulge in kava into the wee hours — discussing all things music.
Danny had a vision for where Fiji music should be and how the scene that had once been a thriving, bustling industry, was now a mere shadow of its former self.
And he strived to revive things by hosting some of the country’s most memorable shows and preparing for every gig as if he was going to perform at the Grammy’s.
Sadly, while Danny may have been the man who wrote the hits, he was not given the recognition he deserved in the country of his birth.
Costello’s wife Corrina, knew well the personal challenges he faced as an artist and a father trying to do the best he could for his family.
Corrina, who now lives in Samoa with their five children, could not attend the awards ceremony because of COVID-19 restrictions. However, she sent a video message which was played at the event.
“In every artist’s heart and the back of his mind is the desire for recognition, whether that creative person is in the boardroom or art studio, on the world stage or in the home-appreciation is always welcome,” Corrina said.
“A great part of Danny’s life was dedicated to his passion, his need to create, produce and express the undeniable, indelible power and influence of music.
“This nomination marks a significant milestone in Danny’s music career.
“It not only gives us a reason to celebrate his God-given talent but it also enables us to celebrate the impact that his music has had on others and to see it enduringly established through this award.
“We thank the Pacific Music Award Trust for the recognition of Danny’s contribution to the regional music industry.
“Your bestowment of the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award has enriched his legacy and I graciously accept this award in honour of his memory and on behalf of his extended family.”
Danny began his music career long before he formed his first band, The Fleetswingers, with his brother Vincent.
From the moment he could strum a ukulele at age five, Danny would entertain any given audience with his version of the perennial iTaukei tune – Julu Jululu.
He joined the resident band at Beachcomber Island Resort, managed by his father, and developed his own unique sound — a combination of calypso, reggae and soul music.
His debut album Tropical Sunset released in 1979 did not do as well as expected but the follow up titled, Lania, spawned hits such as Baby It’s You and many others.
However, it was the album Samba which was released in 1990 that sold more than 300,000 units and took Danny to the top of the regional charts.
It gave Danny some of his biggest hits in Samba, Take Me To The Island and Dark Moon.
Danny was such an influential artist that he even coaxed former Pussycat lead singer and Dutch music superstar Toni Wille out of semi-retirement.
The duo collaborated on Light Up The World, Danny’s last studio album which featured a reggae-remake of one of Pussycat’s biggest hits, Georgie.
Thank you for the music Danny, your songs continue to reverberate across the Pacifi c, played by fans who adore you.
