RENOWNED iTaukei group Nasio Domoni band members had every reason to smile after they won the Best iTaukei song and the Best Composition award at the 2017 Fiji Performing Rights Association (FPRA) music award held at the Grand Pacific Hotel last Saturday.
Group singer/band leader Tuverea Tuamoto, 35, said their family had been the backbone and cornerstone of the band.
Originally from Nasovivi, Namuka, Macuata he said words could not express their excitement after they scooped the award.
“Felt great after winning the same category for the second consecutive year,” Tuamoto said.
“Last year we won the best iTaukei song for “Na Veikilai Lekaleka Mosimosi” and this year the song “Senikakala.
“All the hard work and sacrifice in completing our album has paid off. Feels awesome to see that people are now recognising our music and appreciating what we put out.”
He said the band was named after his clan Nasio in the village of Nasovivi in Namuka, Macuata who had supported the group from when the band was formed.
“The boys have small families as well and being away from home mostly on weekends is usually hard.
“So getting support from their wives and their kids has made the boys stay together and do what they love that is music.
Tuamoto admitted that it was not easy juggling music with a full time job so whenever he had time, he would sit down and pen down a song.
“Well the song has been very popular on the airwaves and having almost 1 million views on Facebook and You Tube spoke volumes of how far and wide the song has reached its audiences. But we had other groups such as Leba Boi Yawa which were nominated so it was a tough one.”
He said his father was also a musician during his time and they had a band called the Senicevuga kei Yalavou.
“He composed songs as well and has been an inspiration for me to forge ahead and take it a step better.”
Tuamoto urged the public to appreciate the work of musicians.
“They spend endless hours trying to compose and produce songs. Most musicians rely on music to put food on the table and the least we can do is appreciate and support local music but buying their CDs and merchandise rather than downloading unauthorised versions.
“We have a Facebook page. People can like our page and follow our updates of current gigs and new releases,” he said.
Fact File
Band members
Jofiliti Sucuvou- Nasovivi, Namuka, Macuata
Seru Tawake- Naua, Namuka, Macuata
Sailosi Waqawaqa- Nabavatu, Dreketi, Macuata
