His days of live performances may be on hold, but Tikiko Ratu Korocowiri’s work in the live music industry is gaining momentum, and music remains strong and very much alive in his blood.
Korocowiri, or Tix as he prefers to be called, is originally from Dratabu in Nadi, with maternal links to Liku, Nayau, Lau.
This month, all eyes are on the 34-year-old, who is expected to deliver Fiji’s first Heineken Wan Fire Concert on September 27 at Suva Buckhurst Park. Tix and the team at Spinning Village Fiji are working tirelessly behind the scenes to set the stage for one of the Pacific music scene’s biggest events — featuring Stan Walker, who will make his grand entrance into Fiji.
“I am husband to a beautiful Lauan woman and a parent to three wonderful children. I am a creative person — an audio engineer who loves tinkering with sound in the studio. I love solving challenging problems with creative solutions,” Tix said.
“I am passionate about everything local and Melanesian. I believe in creating avenues for locals to discover their full potential and in changing the narratives and beliefs we hold about ourselves.”
Tix is not just the technical guy; he has also had his fair share of performing on stage.
VT1S Initiation
VT1S’ first live performance at Suva’s FMF National Gymnasium in 2023 marked a new era, establishing the VT Bop genre — a first for Fiji.
VT1S drew packed houses at every show. It was during this time that Tix emerged.
“Believe it or not, my first time organising a music concert was VT1S Live 23. But during my previous career, I was heavily involved in live production. When I started out, I was a relative rookie, just attending concerts and learning as much as I could from the people I worked with.
“My first concert was a major eye-opener. One thing that really shocked me was how much these shows cost to put together.
“I joined VT1S in 2022 when I was at Magic Factory. After observing the industry for over a decade, it was clear that VT1S was going to change the local music scene forever. The sound, the intention, the voices — it was a pivotal moment in Fiji’s music history. I remember thinking, “Isa, how long will this movement last? I hope it doesn’t disappear after a few years like most others. I joined to help keep the vision alive. Thunda manages the music, and I focus on strategy and planning.
Spinning Village Fiji
Tix is also the pioneer of Spinning Village; the company name is a translation of his surname, Korocowiri.
“We began Spinning Village in 2023 after leaving my 16-year corporate career in media. Initially, the idea was to create a production and events company to support VT1S, which I co-own with Tropic Thunda and his wife, Renee.
“We started the company working out of a spare room in our house in Wailoku. Many don’t know that most of the large-scale festivals and productions we worked on in 2023 and 2024 were coordinated from that small 5m x 5m room.
“Business meetings at our family kitchen table and long edits on a mat on the porch were the order of the day. It was an incredibly creative time in our history.
“There have been so many proud moments in our short journey. We’re committed to continuing to drive change in the live events and regional music industry through our studio project VT1S and our growing live shows.
“In our brief history, we’ve built and executed over 20 large-scale local events. We’ve established one of Fiji’s largest music brands, with a growing reach across Fiji and internationally, and we’re constantly exploring ways to create opportunities for local talent.”
Music in the Blood
I grew up in a very musical home. My mother, Asinate, sang for several Gospel groups and was constantly travelling to perform at churches around Fiji. When I was younger, I would sometimes join her on stage and sing part of their set.
“My father was a youth pastor who used to bring in a touring Gospel group called Y-One, which performed at schools. I was always surrounded by music — especially Gospel music. In high school, I also explored performing but decided that backstage was more my speed.”
Tix’s passion for local music developed during his time in radio. He spent six years on air at 2dayFM from 2008 to 2014, during which he started a program called Homegrown, focusing on showcasing local talent both on stage and on air.
“This period made me start thinking about strategies to improve the local music scene. After my time at FBC, I joined CFL and started the production company Magic Factory. Between 2014 and 2023, we worked on music shows like the Live Mai Rooftop Concert, VitiFM Vosa Na Wa, and LegendFM Local Vocal — all innovative programming designed to support local artists.”
Tix believes Fiji’s live music scene is rapidly growing.
“Over the past three years, we’ve seen significant growth in audience attendance and the prices they’re willing to pay. This has allowed us to pay artists better and produce more state-of-the-art shows.”
Looking ahead, Tix says bigger concerts are on the horizon.
Heineken Wan Fire Concert
Tix describes Heineken Wan Fire as a dream long in the making.
“It’s a festival dedicated to indigenous expression and pride in Pacific and Melanesian culture. We’re especially focused on creating opportunities to showcase Melanesian talent and ensure our diverse peoples are represented on major festival stages.”
Tickets are available at Ticket Max Fiji.
Who’s performing?
Stan Walker, Onetox, Jahboy, Tonton Malele, Kali D, Wilz, Pakx, Liz Vamarasi, InsideOut, Kali Tui, The Gang, Sweet Sensation, Spectrum, and DJ Vibez.
(Left) VT1S jampacked audience at the Vodafone Areana. Picture: FACEBOOK/Tikiko
Many moons ago, when Tix was in live music performing beside Akuila Qumi. Picture: FACEBOOK/ SUPPLIED
VT1S jampacked at the FMF National Gymnasium. Picture: SPINNING VILLAGE/SUPPLIED
(Right) Spinning Village Fiji team. Picture: SUPPLIED
