IN all my 29 years on this earth, I have been surrounded by music produced by incredible people who have evoked feelings of joy, sadness, excitement, and relaxation.
To be honest I don’t really think my day would be complete if I don’t listen to a few tunes.
While some may take it for granted, others find comfort in knowing that even in silence, their soul speaks in the form of euphonious harmony.
That’s the power of music.
While you have the vocalists, the bassist, guitarist and keyboardist in a band (plus other musicians), as a child, I would marvel at the way drummers would add texture, colour and intensity to the sound with the way they play.
It’s as if they’re the timekeeper for the band, maintaining the synchronisation of beats and essentially gluing the band together when the guitarist or the vocalist lose their way.
I was fortunate enough to come across a Fijian drummer who had played for international artistes such as George Fiji Veikoso, Brooke Fraser, and Sammy J.
Better known as ‘Izzy’, he hails from Mualavu Island on Vanuabalavu in Lau with maternal links to Lawai Village in Nadroga. He is an accomplished drummer and guitarist who has been mastering his skills since he was a child.
“I started off playing drums in church before I played guitar, I was very used to playing in front of crowds, especially when I played under my father,” Izzy recalled.
“Picking up the guitar became something that didn’t seem so difficult to do in front of crowds.
“I had worked out much of my nervousness already when I played under my father. Who was a pretty much my first live instructor.
“He was the one who taught me about timing and listening with my ‘musical ears’ which helped out later with the guitar and the drums.”
Growing up, he was also surrounded by African American musicians which helped him developed confidence and power which contributed immensely to his playing style, believing that drums is the foundation for the whole songs, especially in a live production.
His father, Elefasi Temo Vulaca, being his first inspiration, was a musician for the American gospel band Calvary Temple in the 80s.
His mother, Paulina Naihema, was also part of the band as the vocalist.
They then branched out and formed a praise and worship band with other singers from the same band in the 90s, which influenced his brother who became a bassist, and his sister who was popular on the international singing competition as one of the top 12 finalists on American Idol Season 3, Suzie Vulaca,
The same season Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia and Latoya London were on, who have now become successful singers and actresses and TV hosts.
Izzy did not only limit his drumming skills in church, but he also went on tour with Australian artist Sammy J, Common Kings, and had the privilege to sit under gospel artistes such as Hezekiah Walker, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Judith McAllister, who are prominent figures in the American gospel scene.
“Josh and Aaron Mayfield are two famous musicians that I have played with in Kansas City, MO, US,” he added.
“They have played respectively for such gospel artists such as Dorinda Clark Cole, Kim Burrel, Hezekiah Walker and secular artists like Karmin.
“I have met and played with mostly those who were famous in the gospel world.”
He’s also played with local bands as well such as Sweet Sensation, The Gang, and recently the journey with Paradise Rootz to one of the biggest concerts on the region, the 2025 One Love concert in New Zealand last month.
He considers American jazz drummer Buddy Rich as his favourite drummer of all time mainly because of his “command”.
“He played with so much strength and so much power he really controlled the band in such a way that it sounded really good and clean,” he said.
“It sounded straight, it didn’t sound like they had mess ups in any of the sets they played, so, I was really inspired by him.”
Of course, behind every successful man, there is a woman encouraging and manifesting the best for their well-being.
Izzy married Peniette Seru in 2017.
For those who don’t know, Peniette was a former contestant for the local talent show Vodafone MIC Show in 2009.
It’s their love for each other and music that have transformed their relationship into a wonderful union of souls.
Hoping to pass on the same interest to their children, Izzy continues to be a beacon of hope and an inspiration to young musicians in Fiji and will definitely be considered as one of the legends in music making.
