Long before he stepped into Fiji’s evolving music scene, Jerome Lino Tauleka’s journey began between church pews, standing beside his father, learning the power of song through faith and family.
Now, 29 years old and known in music circles as Jay Tauleka, he is carving out a place in Fiji’s evolving music industry.
His story begins in the heart of Rewa and Tailevu, shaped by family, faith and quiet determination.
Born in Nukui, Rewa, Jay is the eldest of three siblings. His early years were marked by movement, as his family relocated to Vutia, Rewa, where his younger sister was born, before eventually settling in Lodoni, Tailevu.
Raised by parents who were both primary schoolteachers, education and discipline were central to his upbringing. Today, his mother continues to serve in the classroom, while his father, Petero Lino Seru Naika Tauleka, has moved into tertiary education as a lecturer at the Fiji National University’s Nasinu Campus.
But it was outside the classroom where his passion quietly grew.
“My music journey began in church,” he said. “I grew up in a very churchly family.”
At the Tailevu North Christian Centre, young Jerome often stood beside his father, who was actively involved in church.
“My dad took part in church, he sang in church, I used to join my dad in church in singing, I was very young at the time.”
While his father did not compose songs, his presence and passion for singing became a powerful influence.
A defining childhood memory still lingers.
“My dad brought a guitar home and he specifically told me not to touch it,” he added.
“So every time after school, I would sneak in the room and play with the guitar.”
That quiet curiosity would become the spark for a lifelong journey.
Jay’s formative years in Lodoni placed him within reach of some of the country’s notable institutions. He attended Lodoni Primary School before continuing his secondary education at Queen Victoria School, Tailevu North College and later at Lomaivuna Secondary School.
While school life focused on academics, music remained a constant presence in his life, nurtured both at home and within his extended family.
He credits his uncle, Sake Tukana, a member of the band Tadrakomoana, as another key influence.
“I remember I was small and he was singing and composing songs… I was inspired about how he could come up with songs and melodies and create his own stuff.”
By his early teens, Jay was already experimenting with melodies and lyrics, drawing inspiration from everyday life and the sounds around him.
After completing high school, he pursued further studies at the FNU’s Derrick Campus in Samabula, where he obtained a Diploma in Architectural Studies —a path far removed from the music industry he would later embrace.
Despite his academic pursuits, music continued to call.
His turning point came when he joined the VT1S collective, a platform that has become synonymous with nurturing emerging Fijian talents under the VT1S movement.
“VT1s really changed my perspective on how I can earn and live off music.”
“It’s different from the usual 9 to 5 job that I never enjoyed, compared to now, I enjoy music as work.”
Joining as part of the second wave of artists around 2021–2022, Jay found himself immersed in a creative environment alongside fellow artists and producers such as Stee Vereakula and Phil Dekei, who he credits as a mentor in music production. His first recording experience remains etched in memory.
“There was a lot of emotion involved… it was really tense for me, but I really enjoyed it. It was a good learning experience.”
From those early sessions, Tauleka has grown into a versatile creative — balancing roles as a singer, songwriter and producer.
Among the songs he has composed and contributed to are tracks within the VT1S catalogue and collaborative works with fellow artists, reflecting themes of love, everyday life and island identity. His involvement in various studio projects has also seen him work on R&B-inspired tracks and fusion pieces blending reggae and pop elements — a sound that continues to resonate with younger audiences.
“I wouldn’t say I have a musical genre-based style. I work with anything.”
“One moment I can be doing pop, RnB, and then reggae or even pop rock.”
That flexibility has become one of his strengths, allowing him to adapt to different artists and creative demands within the studio.
He has collaborated with a range of talents, including artists within the VT1S circle and vocalists such as Oni and Kali Tui, contributing both melodies and production expertise.
Behind the scenes, however, the work is demanding.
“The biggest challenge for me is trying to finish my work on time… we always work with schedules.”
The fast-paced nature of music production in Fiji often requires long hours and tight deadlines — something Tauleka admits can be challenging but rewarding.
“Sometimes we joke about it and call it ‘Fiji Time’ because we’re always catching up, so we do overtime to finish it.”
When it comes to songwriting, Tauleka relies heavily on instinct.
“For me, it comes naturally. If I overthink it, I tend to lose what I want to do.”
“I just go home, find a quiet space and it comes to me.”
Inspiration, he says, can come from the most unexpected places.
“It’s funny… sometimes I hear music from cars passing by and music playing from shops nearby and I combine melodies in my head and create something. It works like that.”
This organic approach has helped him remain authentic in an industry that is constantly evolving.
Today, Jay said he is increasingly drawn to the production side of music, where he finds joy in creating and shaping sounds for other artists.
“I’m loving the production side of the music industry.”
“But surely I will continue to sing and release music this year.”
Looking back, his journey reflects a blend of discipline, creativity and perseverance, from a young boy in church to a growing name in Fiji’s music scene.
And despite the progress, he remains grounded in the values instilled by his family.
“Keep working hard, keep pursuing the dream that you wish to achieve.”
“One lesson I’ve learned is to understand the concept of how to do things more than trying to figure out the result.
“You will be able to attack the problem.”
For Jay Tauleka, the journey continues — one melody at a time.
