BUDDING music sensation Viliame Cokanauto of the renowned Kula kei Uluivuya (KKU) is excited about the possibility of winning the category of the Most Popular Song at this year’s Fiji Performance Rights Music Awards.
“I was surprised to be honest, because I wasn’t expecting anything but all I know for sure that I get to be in the same room as some of the biggest names in music in Fiji, and that’s already a win,” Viliame said.
He said his nominated song Waimanu Kui, was a request from the Adi Cakobau School class of 2014.
“They approached me and they wanted to have an upbeat song dedicated to Adi Cakobau School leading up to the Coca-Cola Games last year,” he said.
“Waimanu Kui is therefore dedicated to the Adi Cakobau School community and that includes current and former scholars of the school,” he said.
Viliame is requesting the public to text MPVC to 860 for Vodafone and Innk users to help him win the award.
When asked about his road to stardom, he said a local musician, SouthXide DJ, introduced him to J1 Muzik Producer, Jone Nakasamai, who recorded two of his first singles.
“These guys were the first two people apart from my family who believed in me and I’m always going to be thankful to them for that.
“The second single that J1 produced became quite popular and it caught the attention of Solomon Islands renowned producer David Bogese. Most know him as Young Davies and he has worked with some really cool upcoming musicians,” he said.
“Young Davie and I discussed that we would do collaboration and that saw the birth of KKU hit Isa Asinate.
“After Asinate was released I decided that I wanted my album to be completed by Young Davie,” Viliame said.
He said his debut album Tagimoucia in 2013 on his 21st birthday was produced and released by Young Davie and two tracks done by J1 Muzik.
Viliame continues to do live performances with friends from the University of the South Pacific namely Luke, Dave, Tai, Steven, Sela, Rokolui and his elder brother Ura.
“Occasionally I will do collaborations and perform with other artists; initially KKU was up and running doing birthday gigs. Before I met my friends at USP, I performed with my uncle Ifereimi Draunimasi and a cousin of mine,” he said.
On Monday nights, Viliame and his mates perform live acoustics at Wrecktangles nightclub in Suva and at the end of every month, he performs at Uprising Beach Resort in Deuba.
He said he had an Australian tour coming up and was sponsored by Music Production House Australia and Sirus Migration.
