Pub Sing brings harmony to Suva's night life

Pub Sing, introduced to Fiji through the Fiji Fringe Festival has piqued the interest of music enthusiasts in the country.

Pub Sing is an interactive show that basically turns audiences into a choir.

It’s been done in Australia, New Zealand, England and the United States of America, but it is a completely new concept in Fiji.

Named differently around the world, pub sing has become quite popular among those who want to enjoy music in a laid-back environment.

In Australia it’s called pub choir, in New Zealand it’s pub sing and in the United States it’s called choir choir choir.

The whole idea behind pub sing is to allow people to enjoy themselves while singing together at the pub.

The Pub Sing show which was held at the Red Lounge at Pacific House, in Suva on Thursday March 3 allowed people to enjoy over a drink while learning a thing or two about music and harmony.

The show was a success with many turning up to be a part of it.

Katie Pakinga a music educator, performer and singer coordinated the show for the festival.

Pakinga who does pub sing events in New Zealand, wanted to bring the concept to Fiji through the fringe festival.

Katy as she’s widely known on social media has been doing pub sing for over six years in New Zealand after being inspired by Astrid Jorgensen who founded pub choir in Australia.

“Pub sing is completely a new concept for Fiji – it’s very different,” she said.

“It’s basically a choir in the pub doing a singalong and I teach you harmonies, but you have a drink in your hand. Unlike karaoke, pub sing has a live band and is impromptu.

The idea of bringing the show to Fiji began a year ago.

“I was watching the Fiji Fringe Festival last year, and it’s such a great initiative of bringing creativity together.

“When applications came up, I was like, I wonder if they’d be interested in this idea (pub sing), and they (organisers) jumped on it and here we are.”

She said people didn’t have to worry about whether they could sing or not –as the show was about bringing people together to sing and have a good time.

“The crowd is always great. The Fringe Festival in any country are always amazing.

“I love to see locals and their crafts and creativity, and I felt we could bring it (pub sing) here because let’s be honest, Fijians are the best singers I know.

“Fijians know how to belt out a tune and what better way to harness that and by bringing the show to Fiji.”

Even though the pub sing was only for a night, Katy said the turnout was incredible.

Around 60 to 70 singers joined in the pub sing at the Red Lounge.

“The crowd were eager but a little cautious at first, being the first of its kind in Fiji, once we got started, everyone eased into it very quickly,” Katy said.

“The power of song can really bring a crowd together.

“We ended up singing four songs: What’s up, Shallow, Livin on a prayer and I will survive. The classic 70’s, 80’s and 90’s songs are always a hit around the world.

“The first song was sung politely while the last song being loud and raucous, with everyone dancing, laughing and enjoying themselves. A special thanks to talented guitarist David Loaloa for coming down from Nadi to join us.

“It was great to see such a diverse crowd of ages and nationalities. With locals through to expats, young (18+) and old. With many new friends being made.”

She said the feedback was extremely good with many saying they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and asked when we’ll do it again.

Katy highlighted that her audience at the show were from Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Canada, America and South America – showing that it had sparked interest among music enthusiasts.

The Fringe Festival was held from March 29 to April 5.