In Fiji’s music industry, musicians are accustomed to coming together to entertain audiences.
But two weekends ago, some of the country’s familiar musical names gathered for a different reason – to support one of their own.
There was no elaborate concert plan, no months of preparation and no guarantee of how the night would unfold. Instead, there was a family facing an urgent medical crisis and a daughter hoping the music community would answer her call for help.
For Nikki Beddoes and her siblings, the priority was their father, veteran musician Bill Beddoes Sr, who needed urgent medical care.
With the costs of medication and hospitalisation mounting, Nikki turned to the people she knew best – the musicians who had shared stages, performances and friendships with her family over the years.
What followed was an extraordinary show of solidarity, as musicians from Nadi and Suva came together in less than 24 hours to stage a free fundraising concert.
“To be honest it was unplanned because everything happened so sudden – I didn’t have any backup plan,” she said.
Parked outside the hospital, with worry weighing heavily on her mind, Nikki had little more than her phone and the hope that someone would listen.
“I created a chat and added all the musicians that I knew in Nadi and in Suva and then I honestly just poured out my heart to say that I really needed help.”
Even then, she was uncertain whether anyone would respond.
“And to be honest at first I didn’t expect any response at all because my stubborn self always thinks oh it’s your problem.”
But the response was far greater than she had anticipated.
Musicians stepped forward, offering their time and talent without payment, while sponsors rallied at short notice to help make the event possible.
“The wonderful musicians of Suva especially, they all came together hand in hand. The event was free. None of the band members got paid for what they’re doing now. But they did it. I am honestly so grateful.”
For Nikki, the speed with which the concert came together was almost as remarkable as the generosity behind it.
“I want to say special thanks to Oliver, Jerry, Allan, KUKI, Paradise Roots and all the artists that came out tonight. All the sponsors that came through last minute. They tried to make it possible, and they did make it possible.”
Nikki, her band and her siblings travelled from Nadi to Suva to be part of the concert – a gathering that was not simply about raising money, but about reminding their father that he was not facing his health challenges alone.
For a family whose life has been shaped by music, the response carried a particularly deep meaning.
A family raised in music
Music was part of the Beddoes family’s everyday life long before the children began building careers of their own.
Growing up, Nikki and her siblings watched both their parents perform across Fiji. Tours, hotel lounges, community halls and family gatherings formed the backdrop to their childhood, introducing them to the discipline, excitement and camaraderie of live performance.
“We started our music journey watching our mum and dad perform in front of us, touring everywhere around Fiji and I guess that’s how we built our music career,” Nikki recalled.
For Nikki, the journey eventually moved from watching her father perform to standing beside him on stage.
“I was constantly going to his workplace with him and his musicians until he believed that I was good enough to continue the journey on my own.”
That early experience helped shape her musical career, with her father’s influence remaining a constant presence.
“My dad in fact has a big impact on my musical career till date. Love you, Dad.”
The concert, therefore, represented a reversal of roles. The daughter who had once learnt by watching her father perform was now helping bring musicians together to support him.
The family’s story, however, has not been without hardship.
The children lost their mother when they were very young, a loss that forced them to take on responsibilities early in life and rely on one another.
Billy Beddoes recalled how the family adjusted to life after their mother’s death.
“We were pretty young and me being the older brother had to step in a bit and play mummy sometimes. Sometimes Kito would jump on board and help us out,” he said.
“You can’t stop things from happening. So, we just kind of got used to it.”
That resilience has remained part of the family’s story – an ability to face difficult circumstances while leaning on the strength of family.
This time, however, the circle of support extended well beyond their immediate household.
When the music industry answers the call
Fiji’s live music scene is built on talent, hard work and relationships formed through years of performances. Musicians move between venues, resort bookings, private functions and public events, often balancing their passion with the demands of earning a living.
Yet, when Bill Beddoes Sr needed help, the usual arrangements of paid performances and competing commitments took a back seat.
Artists gave their time. Bands performed without fees. Sponsors stepped in, and members of the public turned out to support the fundraising effort.
It was a reminder that the connections formed through music can extend far beyond the stage.
For Nikki, the public’s response was just as important as the musicians’ generosity. The event depended on people turning up and purchasing what was available to help raise funds for her father’s treatment.
“I want to say thank you to all the artists and bands that turned out tonight. I also want to say big thank you to the people that turned out because if they didn’t purchase, we probably wouldn’t have met our goal and yes, we did meet our goal and more,” she said.
The family confirmed that the fundraiser had met its target and raised more than expected, providing much-needed support during a difficult period.
The response also reflected the respect Bill Beddoes Sr commands among those who have been part of Fiji’s music scene.
For younger musicians who have come through the live entertainment circuits of Nadi and Suva, he represents part of a generation that helped sustain live performance and pass on the experience required to succeed in the industry.
The family says Bill Beddoes Sr is recovering and remains deeply humbled by the support received.
