Legendary music producer Phil Dakei says he is thrilled to be a part of the 2023 Domo Vou Talei song contest.
The renowned local singer, songwriter and recording engineer said his involvement last year was recording the 10 finalists, out of which emerged the two winners — Suva-based band V5 and iTaukei rapper Juben.
This time around, he will also be involved in the shortlisting of entries and producing their original songs for the competition.
“Domo Vou Talei is a good platform to bring out the talent we wouldn’t get to see and I want to thank the Australian High Commission and sponsors for keeping the competition going,” he said.
“I’m excited and everyone else involved in the competition is – because we just can’t wait to see what else Fiji has to offer.
“So if you’re out there, you’ve got a song that you think is good enough — just send it in. You just never know.”
Dakei has worked in radio for many years.
He was introduced to the music scene by the late Daniel Rae Costello in the early 2000s where he gained a lot of experience performing with The Cruzez and played a key role in Costello’s last album Light Up The World which featured Toni Wille of Dutch pop band Pussycat.
As an artist, Dakei’s 2010 single ‘Play On’ remains on of the play lists of many across the region and the song continues to be popular on radio.
He is also a key member of iTaukei group Makare and produced the band’s three albums — Makare, Taura Tale and Makare III.
The Domo Vou Talei original song competition is the brainchild of the Australian High Commission in Suva.
The grand prize winner walks away with $5000 — courtesy of Westpac and artists also go into the running to win $3000 in the People’s Choice Award — courtesy of The Fiji Times or $1000 in the Best Performance Award — courtesy of Kaila!
Entries for the Domo Vou Talei song contest close on August 19.
For more information visit www.fijivillage.com/-domovoutalei
