Fijian-Australian singer and musician Joseph Vuicakau made waves on the latest season of The Voice Australia, singing his way into the semifinals on October 17 with a string of captivating, powerhouse performances.
In doing so, he became one of the few Fijians to reach the late stages of the global competition — a proud moment that showcased the wealth of musical talent within Fiji and the Pacific community.
A son of Cakaudrove
Joseph is the eldest of four siblings. He hails from the village of Koroivonu, in the district of Tunuloa, Cakaudrove, and shares maternal ties to Korotasere, Vaturova — also in Cakaudrove.
Raised in Western Sydney, New South Wales, Joseph began his education at Sacred Heart Primary School in Cabramatta.
His family later moved to Merrylands, where he attended St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Primary School and later St Paul’s Catholic College in Greystanes.
“My life during those years revolved around school, sports, extracurricular activities, and church — all shaped by the rich diversity of Western Sydney’s multicultural community,” he recalls.
Today, Joseph lives in South-Western Sydney with his wife and two sons.
He serves as the Community Engagement Manager in the Office of the Bishop of Broken Bay, while performing as a part-time singer-musician at corporate and private events most weekends.
The beginning
Joseph’s love for music blossomed early.
At age three, he received a small keyboard, and by seven, he was strumming a guitar — marking the start of a lifelong passion.
“In our Fijian culture, music is central to life; it brings families and communities together in times of both sorrow and joy, during ceremonies and celebrations,” he says.
His grandmother, Pu Silivia Vuicakau, played a key role in nurturing his musical and spiritual roots.
“When I was in primary school, singing alongside my grandmother in the church choir deepened my love for music — especially for singing for God,” he says.
The Voice Australia 2025
Joseph credits his success to the unwavering love and support of his family.
“For more than ten years, they came to nearly all my gigs and never stopped encouraging me with words like, ‘You should go on a music show,’ or, ‘You need to record that.’”
He was eventually scouted to join The Voice Australia, but initially hesitated because of his busy schedule.
“With the strong encouragement of my wife, Janina, my greatest supporter, and my parents, I decided to take the leap and enter the show,” he says.
Challenges and triumphs
Joseph’s journey on The Voice was deeply personal — a chance to reignite his love for music and pursue a dream he had long carried.
“I wanted to inspire my family, especially my two sons. I hope they can look at me and feel proud, encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones and pursue their passions with joy and courage.”
The competition came with challenges: long rehearsals, shifting production schedules, and balancing life as a husband, father, and president of the Fiji Sydney Catholic Chaplaincy.
“By the grace of God, and with the unwavering support of my wife and children, I stayed grounded,” he reflects.
During his blind audition, Joseph was chosen by Grammy Award-winner Richard Marx, famous for hits such as Right Here Waiting, Endless Summer Nights, and Dance with My Father (co-written with Luther Vandross).
“He was an incredible mentor who truly knew and loved his craft,” Joseph says. “I’ll always be grateful that he turned his chair for me and guided me to the semifinals.”
The power of community support
Joseph says the love and encouragement from family, friends, and the wider community carried him through the competition.
“The outpouring of support during and after the show was overwhelming. I truly felt I was standing on their shoulders as they rallied behind me every step of the way.”
He credits his father for nurturing his musical journey from the very beginning — taking him to lessons, buying instruments, and encouraging him to work hard.
One of Joseph’s proudest moments was performing live before his family.
“I felt the warmth of their love and support surrounding me — it reminded me why I began this journey: to share something meaningful with those who have stood by me from the start.”
“My greatest motivation was my two boys. I wanted to show them that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible.”
Looking ahead
Although he did not make the final, Joseph says reaching the semifinals was a blessing nevertheless.
“From the start, I told myself that as long as I gave my best each time and was happy with every performance, I had done my job,” he says.
Now, he plans to focus on creating original music, collaborating with like-minded artists, and touring in the near future.
Joseph says every opportunity is a stepping stone to something greater.
“Believe in your abilities, have steadfast faith, and surround yourself with supportive people,” he advises.
“To young Fijians — whether in art, music, medicine, or law — if there’s something you can’t stop thinking about, pursue it wholeheartedly. Work hard, develop your craft, and trust in God. Offer your gifts to Him, and He will bless them tenfold.”
The Voice Australia winner will be crowned at a Grand Finale tonight. He or she will walk away with AU$100,000 and an all-inclusive recording development package.
To follow Joseph’s journey online, check out;
- Instagram: @joseph.vmusic;
- Facebook: Joseph V Music; and
- TikTok: @joseph.vmusic
