The timeless voices of Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Bryan Adams and Michael Bolton helped shape Amele Mocelautoka’s musical taste, but her greatest musical influence came much closer to home, her late father.
A singer and choir conductor, her father played a defining role in nurturing the musical talents of his children, teaching them the importance of harmony and instilling in them a love for singing that would remain with them throughout their lives.
Now, 44-year-old Mocelautoka continues to carry that legacy, using her voice to honour the musical upbringing that shaped her childhood and eventually became her livelihood.
Raised in a family where singing was part of everyday life, the Solowaru, Namuka native remembers how her father brought the family together through music.
“Singing runs in my family, we all sang in church together,” she said.
“My dad was a singer in a string band, and he was our choir conductor.
“He was the one who looked after our singing and taught us how to harmonise perfectly, which gave us the confidence to perform both in church and in public.”
Her father’s influence extended beyond the family home, providing the foundation for her appreciation of music and the discipline required to perform.
Among the artists who influenced her musical journey were Fijian singing legend Georgina Ledua, whose songs Salusalu Talei and Vunitavola left a lasting impression on her.
Internationally, she admired the powerful vocals of Celine Dion and the distinctive country-pop sound of Shania Twain.
She also developed a particular appreciation for male balladeers Bryan Adams and Michael Bolton.
“I love Michael Bolton very much,” she said.
The emotional depth of Bolton’s ballads, alongside the powerful performances of Dion and Adams, helped shape her appreciation for classic music.
“My parents, especially my dad, were my biggest inspirations for how I sing. Stylistically, I love the classics the most. I also enjoy pop and some rock music, though I don’t sing rock very often.”
But while international and local music icons influenced her style, it was the familiar sound of her church choir that first revealed her potential.
A Methodist, Mocelautoka said her musical journey began in the church choir, where her uncles first recognised something special in her voice.
Her breakthrough came in 1995, when she made the decision to leave formal education after Form Five and pursue singing alongside her uncles.
“I didn’t get to finish school, so I decided to start singing with my uncles.”
She recalled how one of her uncles recognised her talent during church services and eventually gave her the opportunity to perform at Treasure Island Resort.
That opportunity marked the beginning of a musical career that has spanned decades.
Today, Mocelautoka lives in Lawaki Village, Lautoka, and performs nightly at the Radisson Blu Resort, where she delivers four-hour sets from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.
She performs alongside family members under the leadership of her cousin, Mickey Niurua.
Her regular commitment to the resort means touring opportunities are limited, but she has found comfort and stability in performing at one venue.
“The only time I take off is if I’m unwell, in which case a reliever steps in for me until I recover.”
Beyond the stage, Mocelautoka’s greatest pride is seeing the musical inheritance passed on to her own children.
A mother of six, she said her eldest daughter, now 21, has inherited the same vocal ability and is already showing promise as a singer.
“She sings very well.”
She has occasionally encouraged her daughter to join her performances, particularly when she is unwell, giving the young woman an opportunity to practise, gain confidence and experience performing before an audience.
For Mocelautoka, music has never been simply about earning a living. It is a connection to her childhood, her faith, her family and the father who first taught her the beauty of harmony.
Amele Mocelautoka performs with her band at the Radisson Blu Resort in Nadi on November 3,2026. Picture: SALOTE QALUBAU.
