Vude queen Laisa Vulakoro left the country for a major recording opportunity in Sydney, Australia, marking what she hoped would be the beginning of an international music journey.
An article published in The Fiji Times on May 14, 1994, said Vulakoro had secured a recording stint with Eclipse Records, and had plans for a concert tour through Asia, beginning with performances in Malaysia.
“I’m so excited, I’ve always wanted fame and fortune,” she told this newspaper before her departure.
Vulakoro had been signed by Palm Tree Holdings (Aust) Pty Ltd, a global entertainment management company.
“This will be an English album. It’ll be produced on CDs.”
The singer was expected to begin work immediately at the Eclipse studio in Mittagong, with plans for an official Sydney launch once the album was completed.
“Everything moved fast after that.”
“Once the album is ready, there’ll be an official launch in Sydney and then the tour.”
She said discussions were continuing on whether local Fiji musicians would join her on the international tour.
“I hope we can work it out. It will be a great experience for me and other local musicians.”
Vulakoro, known for hits including Island Girl and Marama Ni Yacata, said the album would blend country rock, reggae, rock and pop influences while including at least one Fijian song.
“I want to include at least one Fijian song even though it will be an English album.”
The project followed a busy period in her career, including label changes and recording work in Fiji at Procera Studios.
Her latest release, Ratu Mata Katikati, featured 10 tracks, including duets with 15-year-old Junior Tavaga.
“We’ve completed recording. It’s being mixed now and should be released by the end of the month.
“I just got a better deal from Proceras this time around.”
