A UKALELE gifted by his late father during childhood became the foundation of a musical journey that has taken 44-year-old Iosefo Romulo Vukevuke from church performances and lunchtime entertainment to teaching music at the Fiji School for the Blind in Suva.
The Bua native, who has low vision, initially focused on completing his education and securing permanent employment. However, his passion for music remained strong, eventually creating opportunities for paid performances, band appearances and, ultimately, a career in music education.
Having spent most of his life in Suva, Vukevuke developed his interest in music through listening to the radio and popular songs from the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000.
His father, Kasiano Fotu, was a musician who introduced him and his brother, Vetaia Seniualekaleka, to the ukulele and guitar.
The brothers learnt basic chords together, laying the foundation for a passion that would shape Vukevuke’s life.
His father also encouraged him to view music as more than a hobby and to use his talent as a means of earning a living.
“One thing he wanted for me was to get something out of music,” he said.
“That lesson stayed with me, although my immediate priority was to complete my education and secure a stable job.”
His musical journey gained momentum through his involvement with St Agnes Catholic Church in Nabua.
During his primary and secondary school years, he sang and played basic chords in the classroom and at church, gradually becoming more involved in choir practices and liturgical performances.
From the early 1990s, the brothers received guidance from church mentors who helped develop their musical abilities and encouraged them to participate in Sunday services, daily liturgies and major Eucharistic celebrations.
At the time, Vukevuke did not fully appreciate the opportunities the experience was providing.
“It was just a pure way of involvement.”
Looking back, he remains grateful to the mentors who nurtured their talents and encouraged them to contribute to the church and wider community.
Their involvement eventually opened the door to an opportunity to perform at Downtown Boulevard in Suva in the early 2000s.
The brothers entertained diners during lunchtime, performing from noon to 2pm, and continued at the venue until 2004. The engagement gave Vukevuke an opportunity to earn an income through music while developing his confidence and experience performing before audiences.
He remembers the support of Mrs Mere Fong, Thomas Fong, Charlie Wong and Litia Wong, among those who helped make the opportunity possible.
The money earned provided pocket money and enabled the brothers to contribute towards household expenses.
When his brother later left to attend teachers’ college, Vukevuke continued pursuing musical opportunities. Although he took on other work, he maintained his involvement in church performances for several years.
His musical journey later expanded through the United Blind Persons of Fiji, where he became involved with its band.
He also performed with Kidava Band, an initiative involving his visually impaired peers, and 3 Hearts Band.
These experiences gave him opportunities to perform at public functions, connect with other musicians and share the stage with local artists.
For Vukevuke, music has always served a purpose beyond entertainment.
“I look at music as a way of being happy, sharing stories, and engaging with others.”
He also considers music a source of income and relaxation, finding comfort in its lyrics, rhythms and melodies.
His passion eventually led him to pursue formal musical training.
In 2017, encouraged by colleagues, he enrolled at the Fiji National University, where he completed a Certificate IV in Music before pursuing a Diploma in Special Inclusive Education to meet the Ministry of Education’s teaching requirements.
Throughout his studies, his wife, Kelera Ledua Taveta, remained supportive as he worked towards his educational and professional goals.
The qualifications provided a pathway to turn his years of musical experience into an opportunity to teach and inspire others.
Today, Vukevuke teaches music to students from Class One to Class Eight at the Fiji School for the Blind in Suva.
His role allows him to pass on the knowledge he has gained through years of church performances, paid engagements and playing with different bands.
He encourages young people to recognise and develop their abilities, regardless of the challenges they face.
“Make use of the talent that is given to you, whether it is musical talent, drawing or other artistic talents.
“Music is harmony. It is a humble way of engaging yourself with other people.”
Despite his years of experience in performing and teaching, Vukevuke has further ambitions. He hopes to produce his own album and share his music with a wider audience.
For him, the project would also be an opportunity to challenge perceptions about the abilities of people living with visual impairments.
“Despite our disability or low visuality, we can still prove that we can find a life just like others.”
Reflecting on his journey, Vukevuke acknowledges that his achievements would not have been possible without the encouragement of his late father, the support of his family, the guidance of his mentors and colleagues who encouraged him to pursue further studies.
What began with a simple childhood instrument and a father’s belief in his son’s potential has grown into a lifelong commitment to music.
Today, Vukevuke continues to use that talent to educate, inspire and create opportunities for others, proving that music can open doors well beyond the stage.
