Stephanie Mafili’s musical journey is a tribute to her family’s rich legacy, a narrative infused with faith, harmony, and a deep-seated love and passion for music.
As the daughter of the late gospel composer Metuisela Kawa To’amotu’a Mafili and niece of former Black Rose vocalist Freddy Kado, Stephanie’s path was seemingly predestined.
Her father, who sadly passed away in 2022, and her uncle served as her greatest inspirations, guiding her through the challenges of life and music.
Stephanie’s connection to music began at a young age, nurtured by her father’s passion and the family’s tradition of singing in church.
“My father was a well-known pastor and gospel artist. So, we were always singing in church when we were growing up,” she said.
Those formative years were filled with shared melodies, with her father playing while she and her sisters sang.
“My first recording I had with my father was when I was nine years old.”
Stephanie said the family’s musical heritage ran deep.
“Music has always been in our blood. My father and grandfathers were all singers and composers, and that passion was passed down through the generations, to my dad, and now to us.”
Beyond gospel, Stephanie said music was a constant presence in their home.
“When I reached university, I became even closer to music. Every evening, my cousins Fine, Elizabeth, and I would sit on the porch with my dad’s guitar, harmonising and singing just for the joy of it. My father taught us all how to play the guitar; when one of us got tired, another would take over. He saw the passion we had and eventually formed a group with us called Couź, short for cousins.
“We were the singers, and my uncle Freddy Kado always played for us. Together, we explored all kinds of harmonies”
Despite her early immersion in music, Stephanie doubted her ability to compose until her father’s encouragement prompted her to try.
“I only began writing songs this year, and the process has felt very natural. The words often come to me first, followed by the music, and every time I write I think of my father and the gift of music he passed on to me. I haven’t shared this with anyone before, and while I haven’t released any of my songs yet, I’m working towards it.”
Stephanie describes her song writing process as organic, letting the lyrics guide the music.
While she has spent most of her life singing in the comfort of her home and church, her live performance debut at Gloria Jean’s Cafe alongside her uncle was a significant turning point.
“It’s a very different experience performing outside your comfort zone. In public venues you sometimes encounter difficult audiences, and that can be challenging. I’ve had to learn how to stay focused and professional no matter the situation.”
Stephanie said her uncle Freddy has been a vital mentor, teaching her the technical aspects of music.
“Over the years, my uncle Freddy Kado has been a big part of my journey. He guided me through the technical side of music, teaching me how to set up equipment, produce both live and studio recordings, and most importantly how to carry myself professionally on stage.
“His support has been a huge blessing. With the passing of both my parents, Uncle Freddy has also stepped in as a parent figure for me and my siblings. He has always been there for us, just as my mum and dad used to be, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance and encouragement.”
Stephanie said her musical journey is also a direct fulfilment of a promise to her late father. Before his passing, he entrusted his music to her.
“He registered all his songs under my name, and at the time I wondered why. I never imagined that he would pass away the following year.”
What’s next:
Now, she’s working with her sisters to honour her father’s legacy by recording his songs. While she looks forward to reuniting with the Couź band and performing together again, her current focus is on nurturing her family’s musical journey.
“I’d love to collaborate with my family first because there are so many talented singers among us. My dream is to grow together with them before I look to work with others,”
Stephanie said her music is ultimately a tribute to her father. She particularly loves singing old Fijian songs he taught her.
“I love singing these songs because each time I do, it is a tribute to my father and the music he taught me. My journey hasn’t been easy. I lost my father in 2022 and my hardworking mother in 2024. But their sacrifices and the foundation they built for me in faith and music continue to keep me going.
“I’m also deeply grateful for the love and support of my sisters despite losing both our parents, our bond has grown even stronger. Together, we are all working to honour our father’s legacy through music, as each of us shares a love for singing and carrying his songs forward.”
