INDIVIDUALLY, they represent three different but critical aspects of Fiji’s music industry – studio, stage and sound.
But collectively videographer Dave ‘Mr Grin’ Lavaki, performance specialist Sunia Soko Loga and producer Phil Dakei are excited about the 10 finalists in the 2023 Domo Vou Talei original song contest.
“We are excited because we have been a part of the whole process from the very beginning – from sifting through the raw songs that were sent in to watching them develop and grow in a matter of weeks,” Dakei shared.
For Lavaki – a pioneer of Fiji hip-hop – the number of rap entries has been very encouraging.
“We are discovering new talent through this competition and getting to hear their stories and the struggles they are going through, and the fact that they’ve made it this far in the competition is very encouraging,” he said.
Loga said he got a kick out of watching and listening to the artists grow.
“They come here very raw and unsure, and after spending a short amount of time with them, they are beginning to express themselves with more confidence,” he said.
You can watch the Domo Vou Talei finalists perform their original tracks live for the first time at the Woodstock Uprising Music Festival on Saturday, October 7.
To secure your tickets now, visit https://www.ticketmax.com.fj/DTBNP Alternatively you can purchase tickets at Ginger Kitchen, Fiji Museum, Suva, (Ph 8366581), Niu Grillz, Fiji Golf Club, Suva, (Ph 2787782), Damodar Cinemas, Grantham Rd, Suva, (Ph 9923073), Uprising Beach Resort, Pacific Harbour, (Ph 345 2200) and GingerLei Beer Fiji, Wailoaloa Rd, Nadi, (Ph 9260502).
Domo Vou Talei is the brainchild of the Australian High Commission.
The 10 finalists are being vocally prepared by award-winning artist Sunia Soko Loga, their original songs will be produced by legendary producer Phil Dakei, and they will have their music videos shot by Dave ‘Mr Grin’ Lavaki.
