THE Republic of Fiji Military Forces celebrated its inaugural Tattoo event by trying to use the technicolour style used in military Tattoo events held in England and Scotland. The best of Fiji’s disciplined band and a small but stellar line-up of acts from overseas were set to descend on the ANZ Stadium in Suva for the 2017 RFMF Band and Centennial Celebration.
RFMF’s inaugural tattoo tries and recreates what the world over has been privy to and perhaps start something that could become the Pacific’s “Greatest Show on Earth” boasting the best of Oceania.
The Tattoo celebrated the RFMF Band’s rich history and commemorated a century of existence from the time it started as a small fife and drums bands led by early settlers along with Fiji’s culture and heritage. During this year’s show, a number of local performers graced the stage to get the show rolling including the world famous duo Nem and Talei, Delai Dokidoki, Vude Queen Laisa Vulakoro and other lively acts.
They set the scene for the night’s spectacular event where the bands showed what they have been offering international audiences. Needless to say, the Edinburgh Tattoo is a television spectacular with more than five million people watching the event.
The RFMF Band who had been true ambassadors of Fiji aimed to bring to their homeland what they had been showing the world over.
The theme for this year was the Centennial Celebration, appreciating 100 years of the RFMF Band’s presence in Fiji. Starting from a group of volunteers and evolving into one of the finest performers in Fiji.
Playing the tunes is not the only thing the RFMF Band has done over the years. Starting as stretcher bearers in World War II, some of the band’s current members boast over 12 tour of duties.
Key highlights from the 2017 RFMF Band Military Tattoo included:
nFirst-time Tattoo performers, the Fiji Police Force and Fiji Youth Band took part in their first Tattoo and brought with them the flair they were known for. They promised to keep up to the same level as the RFMF Band.
* Awesome performances by local artistes; Delai ni Dokidoki once again brought with them soulful music from Koro; bonded by love and music,
nNem and Talei delivered some of their best as they started the local entertainment.
* Vude Queen Laisa Vulakoro performed her heart out.
The RFMF Band proved why they are considered one of the best entertainers on this side of the world.
Months of preparation culminated into this night’s performance.
A light show like no other; never before in Fiji has there been a light show like this at this magnitude when Suva’s ANZ Stadium transformed into a gallery of lights.
There were performances from invited bands from Australia and New Zealand who tried to outdo the RFMF Band.
Chairman of the RFMF Band Military Tattoo and RFMF director finance, logistics and acquisitions Commander Lepani Vaniqi said the ANZ Stadium was set to come alive with colour, music and history as they brought together an extraordinary group of military and local performers to help them celebrate the 100th anniversary of the RFMF Band.
“Each performer, working as an individual, and as part of a mighty team, was supported by world-class musical arrangements, leading edge production techniques, digital sound, massive lighting, and stunning fireworks,” said Mr Vaniqi.
“The finished article was not just hugely entertaining, it was also inspiring. We hoped to reach out to everybody in Fiji to find the very best acts and bring them to the ANZ Stadium. We were always looking to bring people together to celebrate the achievements by the RFMFB Band and what truly makes us Fijian. There was something for everyone in this show and an opportunity for all of us to be proud.
“Above all, our guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends. This is what we are about. As well as providing a unique stage for the best in class, we offered a fantastic showcase. We were so looking forward to welcoming everyone and sharing our show. I hope the event would be sensational!”
This year, the RFMF Military Tattoo was launched at a national scale with invited bands from abroad.
The long term goal was to set a platform where Fiji was able to set a similar platform for military performers as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and turn it into a world event.
Time and time again, the beautiful island nation of Fiji has proved to the world that it can host international events and rival some of the world’s best.
Bandmaster of the RFMF Band Captain Semiti Gade said “the Military Tattoo was a wonderful opportunity for Fijians to unite and celebrate our culture, heritage and history. It has generated great interest and excitement throughout the country.”
Apart from the local audience, the RFMF Band Military Tattoo and Centennial Celebration was on livestream.
Former members of the RFMF and Fijians living abroad got a chance to see this historic moment by subscribing to the live feed.
The RFMF Band Military tattoo took place on December 8 at the ANZ Stadium in Suva and was promised to be the event of the year.
