Not all musicians will reach the top of their game and survive on their gift.
Yet what they may all possess is a wealth of exordinary talents hard to emulate.
Such is the reality for local musician, Vetaiasi Seniulekaleka.
Hailing from Natokalau, Kubulau, Bua, Seniulekaleka is partially blind.
At 16, he was first taught to play the guitar by Paterosio Madigibuli of Navakawau in Taveuni and Master Kasiano Ramoala.
“I also owe a lot to a Chinese guy named Tumani Kung,” the 45-year-old said.
Seniulekaleka’s first stage appearance was at the State Theater in 1990 at a concert for the Methodist Youth Fellowship of Nabua.
“I got my first professional gig at the Tradewinds Hotel when I was 18 and I’ve never looked back,” he said.
Seniulekaleka also acknowledged Archbishop Peter Loy Chong for helping him join the Vatukoula Catholic Youth Band in 1997 and the Solevu Catholic Youth Band in 2000.
“In 2001, I joined Tavite Nawaqasewa’s Island Swingers Band and by the end of the year, I was playing with the Barns Vibration Band until 2003,” he said.
“I moved to Beachcomber and joined the house band there at the beginning of 2004 until I came back to Suva at the end of the year to join the Eastern Brothers Band playing at the Ranch Nightclub until 2008.”
In 2009, Seniulekaleka said he was requested by the Beachcomber Island Resort to return. He stayed and played until 2011 before moving to Treasure Island Resort until 2015.
“By the end of 2015, I was with the National Youth Band in the day and playing at Wrecktangles Nightclub at night until 2017.
“I was recalled to Treasure Island Resort in 2018 until 2020 when covid 19 arrived.”
Last year, Seniulekaleka alternated between the Tone Down Band at the Holiday Inn and Joni Bola’s The Brotherhood at the GPH. In between, he
freelanced.
A journeyman who has jammed with the likes of Simi Rova, Georgina Ledua and Seru Serevi to name a few, he now enjoys the slow pace and camaraderie of the Fiji Suva Musicians Club.
“Everyone has God-given talents,” he said.
“Find yours and work at it. If I can do it while impaired, there shouldn’t be any reason why healthy people can’t do it.
“I’ve never depended on anyone for my survival and sustenance because there is no excuse.”
