RENOWNED revolutionary Fijian music group and label VT1S is poised to soar to new heights with the release of its fourth album this upcoming Friday.
Titled Ga Ni Vatu, the Fijian name for the peregrine falcon, the six-track project pays tribute to one of Fiji’s most iconic symbols of biodiversity while signalling the group’s ambition to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving music landscape.
Producer George Wasile, better known as Tropic Thunda, said the album would be officially released on March 6 and marks the first major VT1S project for the year.
“This album that we are about to release, it’s the fourth album under the VT1 label,” he said.
“The title of the album is Ga Ni Vatu, which is the peregrine falcon.”
Rooted in tradition
The album opens with a powerful traditional vucu (meke chant) composed and performed by Jay Tauleka. In fact, the entire album takes its name from that opening chant, which is rooted in the symbolism of the falcon.
“There are six tracks altogether, one each from the artists that we have now. There’s five from them and one vucu chant,” Tropic Thunda explained.
Established VT1S artists Kali Tui and Liz Vamarasi feature on the album, alongside three new additions to the label, a move the team described as both deliberate and symbolic of a new chapter.
Symbolism of the falcon
For composer and artist Jay Tauleka, the choice of the peregrine falcon runs deeper than imagery.
“The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world. And it’s found in Fiji,” he said.
“It’s very rare. I think the only second place it’s found is in the Amazon, I don’t know if they still have it there. But it’s in Fiji. And we are so blessed to be able to see it almost every day.”
Beyond its biological significance, Tauleka said the Ga Ni Vatu represents speed, urgency and adaptation.
“It’s like a poetic way of saying that time is moving fast. And we are trying to move with time, with technology and everything that’s happening in the world right now, with AI now in the game. We are trying to move with time.”
He also described the album title as a confident statement about VT1S’ position within Fiji’s music industry.
“I chose the Ga Ni Vatu pretty much to flex. Like the bird, it’s the fastest bird or animal in the world. So VT1S is stamping its mark as the fastest bird ahead of the rest of the teams out there, because of the specific genre we are putting out there.”
A shift in sound
While the themes remain consistent with the signature VT1S sound, universal, relatable and grounded in lived experience, Tropic Thunda said listeners would notice a clear shift in sonic direction.
“The themes are pretty much the same. That’s the sound and the themes of VT1S,” he said.
“I think the thing that’s different this time is probably the sounds that we are using. The direction that we’re heading, it’s like we’re heading in another direction. The themes may be the same, but the sounds, so there’s something for us to look forward to.”
Artist expression at the forefront
For Tauleka, one of the most significant changes lies in the creative process itself.
“In my past compositions, it’s always been what I come up with that is usually used in the song,” he said.
“But now, most of the inputs are from the artists. What’s so unique about this album is the expression of the artist, how the music relates to them more than me doing something for them.”
Among the new voices is Mohelata, who performs a track titled Senitoa (Hibiscus flower). The song portrays the special place of a girl within her family, celebrating her value and identity in a positive light.
“That’s one unique song that’s in the album,” Tauleka said.
Collaboration and the road ahead
Personally, he described his return to the production space as both humbling and energising.
“I’ve worked with a lot of different people in my life. Coming back is a great advantage on my end because of the teachings and the lessons I’ve learned along my musical journey,” he said.
“I’m really excited to be back, to be part of the production team and to help out Tropic Thunda in the studio. And to be part of a movement that is trying to elevate Fijian music to the next level.”
That sense of collaboration extends beyond the artists. Tropic Thunda revealed that another producer would soon be joining the VT1S team, further expanding the label’s creative reach.
“Looking forward to collaborating on the sounds,” he said.
“Even working on the album, it started from there, collaborating with our other brother who’s going to join us soon. It was just like a snippet of what we’re going to work on later, for the rest of the year and the years to come.”
He described Ga Ni Vatu as the foundation for a busy year ahead.
“This is the first one for the year, the first project. I’m not sure how the gang will vibe to it, but definitely from our end it was exciting working on the album. From there we can tell how the future projects are going to turn out.”
Tauleka shares that optimism and hopes the album will spark broader momentum within the local scene.
“I see a lot of new artists coming up. New bands forming, new people recording,” he said.
“This would help influence them to release music and try and get into what we’re trying to push out which is elevating Fiji’s music, the sound, technically and everything.”
He is quick to clarify that the goal is not to criticise the industry but to strengthen it.
“We hope to improve Fijian music. I’m not saying we have a very bad reputation or whatsoever. But we hope to take Fijian music to the next level.”
With Ga Ni Vatu ready for take-off, VT1S appears determined to live up to its namesake, swift, sharp and soaring ahead of the curve.
