Two winners were announced at the Inaugural Domo Vou Talei original song competition held at the Woodstock Uprising Music Festival yesterday.
They were V5 band consisting of Lia Daunakamakama, Jasmine Daunakamakama, Vika Tuisawau, Sevu Tuisawau and upcoming Fijian rapper Peni Tupou Roqara who goes by the stage name Ju Ben.
The artists will share the main prize money of $5000 courtesy of The Fiji Times. V5 band had also won the Westpac People’s Choice Award of $3000 receiving the most votes from members of the public with their original song Mango Tree.
Vika Tuisawau of V5 band said the group would create more original songs now having the resources.
“We thank God for giving us this opportunity and every supporter who had been texting and sharing our video,” she said.
“Our family members for helping us throughout the whole process of the competition and the judges who have been supportive.”
Tuisawau acknowledged Producer Phil Dakei for having trust in them.
“He helped us create our first music piece together and encouraged us; we appreciate him so much.” Lautoka resident Peni Roqara who graced the stage with his Bob Marley outfit also echoed the similar sentiments as V5 band.
“This is an opportunity to write and sing more songs in future,” he said. “I came from a struggling background and I thank my family for their support.
“To my fellow competitors I thank God for their lives because they all have the talent to showcase it to the world.” The Fiji Times was a sponsor of Domo Vou Talei along with the Australian High Commission, Westpac, Communications Fiji Ltd, Fiji Performing Rights Association and Knox Entertainment. More than 1000 people turned up to the 14th Woodstock Uprising Music Festival yesterday.
