Iliesa Baravilala shed tears when family members informed him that the Fiji Performing Rights Association had acknowledged his more than 50-year contribution to the industry by inducting the retired schoolteacher into the Hall of Fame.
The fact that it took them so much time to consider him worthy would raise a lot of eyebrows, considering he has penned more than 300 iconic iTaukei songs — from Isa Bau Laga Mai which catapulted Lagani Rabukawaqa to stardom to Veitalatala — the song which took Jimmy Subhaydas from relative obscurity in Levuka to fame.
Before crossover was a thing, Baravilala proved that race and ethnic background was only skin deep when he composed songs for IndoFijian schoolteacher Sebastian James which won him awards at the then Vakalutuivoce Music Awards.
If anyone deserved recognition, Baravilala should have been on top of that list. The Natabua, Lautoka, resident has not been too well of late.
And when The Fiji Times visited him, he managed a smile and proudly waved the award from his sickbed.
He said he had just returned from a two-week admission at the Lautoka Hospital when family members from Suva called to break the news of his Hall of Fame induction.
He wiped away tears and kissed the award, a gesture that spoke volumes of how he felt at finally being recognised.
Baravilala said it was humbling that composing songs, something that began as a passion ignited by interesting folk tales and stories of heartache shared with him, slowly but surely took over his life.
He said his teaching career took him to communities in maritime and rural areas of Fiji and provided him so many opportunities to meet Fijians who had a story to tell.
The retired teacher said many had heaped praise and lauded him for his musical works but he always reminded them that the one to be acknowledged was the creator of all things because he was the source of everything even gifting him with the unique talent to compose and tell stories through songs.
At 76 and after more than five decades in the music business, Baravilala has not stopped composing. Even while lying in his sickbed, he has continued writing new songs which he hopes will entice local artists and bands to record or perform.
“I thank FIPRA for recognising my effort and contribution in the local music industry,” he shared.
“I wasn’t really thinking that I would receive an award this year because of the many accolades I have received in past years and I am grateful to everyone who has been working with me and those who have always acknowledged the work I do.
“Every song I compose is registered with FPRA because I know the recognition will be there.”
With sickness taking its toll on the man who has contributed immensely to the growth of the local music industry, Baravilala hopes one message goes out to the masses and to young and budding artists. And the message is “be real, be original and be innovative”.
Baravilala said from when he began composing in 1972 in Levuka, Ovalau, those three principles and the importance of maintaining the uniqueness of an artist was what took many of his musical prodigies to stardom and success.
“For me, it was never really about me being their composer, rather it was about ensuring the songs I wrote conveyed the story well and was received well by the public.
“I am humbled at the opportunity I was given to contribute to music in the country and I acknowledge those who have been following me and always encouraging me all these years.
“I have received so many accolades all these years, but to me, it’s simply putting into good use this unique talent of composition I am gifted with.
“Who knows, this might be the last award I’m receiving, I’m glad that after so many years, the work I do is still being recognised until today.”
Recently, Baravilala has been composing a few songs for a local band formed in his Natabua neighbourhood.
He spends his days urging and encouraging the group to put to good use the talents they have been blessed with and he hopes the new tunes he has penned will aid them on their musical journey.
“It’s my way of giving back to my community and to the youths I lived with for many years now.”
