FROM the little town of Nausori to the big musical stage of Australia, Fijian singing sensation and golden voice Ilisavani Cava is making a mark. This time it’s in one of the world’s renowned music shows — The Voice Australia — a reality TV show based on the original, The Voice US.
While the winner of Fiji’s second edition of the MIC is humbled to take part among other Australian stars, the only Fijian in the show is equally humbled to be the only Fijian to reach this stage of The Voice anywhere in the world.
“And for that, I’m so proud to be a Fijian and also taking our name out there,” Ilisavani proudly said.
“I feel really blessed being part of the show.
“Honestly, growing up in Fiji in my little town of Nausori, I’ve always dreamt of big shows as such and picturing myself that one day I was going to be on that stage.
“And now when I’m finally here, from the little town where I grew up and to the stage with bright lights of The Voice Australia is something I still can’t put to words but I thank God for the gift of music and also the gift of family who have brought me to where I am today.”
Ilisavani, a former student of Nausori’s Vunimono High School, believed his music career is finally moving to another new level and is moving exactly down the same path Australian singing sensation Paulini Curuenavuli had followed to be where she is today.
The show had auditions across Australia and out of the thousands that had auditioned in Sydney alone, he counted himself blessed to be one of the few that had to make it through to the blind audition. This will not only be televised Australia wide next week, but across the world through the power of social media.
The show was launched last Sunday for it’s fifth season and they have three superstar coaches; Delta Goodrem, The Madden Brothers and worldwide superstar and winning team of last year’s season, Jessie J.
A new addition to the coaches seat replacing Ricky Martin is world-renowned singer Ronan Keating.
“So not only reaching this stage is something big for me but having to see these coaches in real life is something incredible and will be a powerful moment and maybe, who knows, having to be coached by one of these superstars if they turn around next Tuesday for my audition,” Ilisavani proudly said.
Music is something in the blood for the Rewa lad and something that has been very much part of his life since he was a child.
While acknowledging God for his musical talent, he also believes his late grandfather, Kiniviliame Cava was instrumental by teaching his children and grandchildren to not only love the gift of music but love one another through this gift.
“Music for me is healing and is also a source of life to cheer you up or hold you up in any circumstances you go through in life.
“So for this journey I’m on, I honour my late grandfather who inspired me to believe in myself and also carry his legacy which is our family name across the world . So to answer the question music for me has always been in me ever since I was born.”
Ilisavani had once auditioned with a similar singing competition in Australia called The X Factor and reached a stage called the BootCamp Top 40.
He also believes that if the door closes on a small opportunity, another opens revealing a bigger and better opportunity.
“I know and believe that God’s timing in our life is always the perfect timing even when we think in our own human way.”
The Voice audition will be held on Tuesday.
