Born in Fiji, Erakah spent part of her early years in the country before being adopted by a family in New Zealand. Over there she discovered she had a talent for singing resulting in the release of a few albums. She won Best Female artist at the 2015 Pacific Awards and continues to make music her passion. We caught up with the Fiji-born New Zealander following the release of her album “Organised Chaos”.
For our readers information, explain your connection to Fiji and your early memories of growing up?
I was born in Suva. I have awesome memories of my childhood growing up in Savusavu, the hot springs and Nukabalavu Village. I had attended Khemandra Bhartiya, the Assemblies of God School in Suva.
My early memories of Babu’s Takeaways, and The Hot Bread Shop… It was just amazing.
I was adopted out of Fiji but have kept close ties with my family (Emberson, Lockington) and amazingly my adoptive family (Bennison) already lived in Fiji so it’s always been home. Now my family resides throughout Fiji and overseas (Emberson, Lockington, Bennison and Caucau).
Do you still get to visit Fiji now and then?
Yes now and then, I was meant to come to Fiji twice over the past two years and I letdown a few people but I wasn’t well. Wholeheartedly I do hope to be back home soon to carry out the work that I was meant to do … and more. My heart belongs in Fiji and only want the very best for our people.
What has been the latest from Erakah Music
I released my album “Organised Chaos” which won Best Female at the 2015 Vodafone Pacific Music Awards. I’m currently writing another album. I’ve had daughter number 2 which had been a change (10 yrs since the last one!)
The album features The Levites Session Band, Uptown Swuite, Mikey Mayz & Thabani Gapara. It’s available on iTunes, Android, Spotify, and Soundcloud.
I’ve also released singles such as In or Out and Infatuated back in 2011 which won popularity in New Zealand and the region.
How would you describe yourself then compared with
now as a musician and how have you grown over the years?
I was signed to a major label back then, I have since gone independent to have more control over my creative influences. I learnt a lot as a signed artist and will always carry that with me. I had a long break from music, and through all that grew up mentally as well as creatively.
I’ve always wanted to release the soul/adult pop style I did for my latest work but never got the opportunity to do it. It made me really free and happy to create something from scratch.
What’s the great challenge about
working in the music industry in NZ?
The greatest challenge would be the market isn’t big enough. We live in such a great country that unfortunately can’t support our hunger to do music full-time. Many of us work part-time jobs to live but it’s the passion of music that keeps us. It also doesn’t always appreciate what musicians have until we lose them. I suppose it’s the “want what we don’t have” mentality, aye?
What do you like to do outside of music, a hobby
that you turn to in order to rejuvenate your creativity?
I love to swim at the beach! I love being out in the sun and on the sand hanging with friends and drinking good coffee. But to really get me rejuvenated, as cheesy as it sounds, I like to help others. I love encouraging young women through the arts. There’s something about giving outside of yourself and seeing smiles on other people faces that gives me a real boost!
How do you feel about the internet in the music business?
Internet in the music in nowadays is vital, to really get our music out to the masses. I’ve had people in Europe message me that they love my music. It’s amazing what we can do. I will write lyrics with melody, record it then send to a bass player who will add their part then send it on to the guitar player so on and so on. Then when it comes back to me via internet, I have a full song all without us being in the same room. But nothing compares with an in-studio live recording.
Who/what are your musical icons/influences?
Over the years my influences have changed, at the moment with my writing I’m really digging Deitrick Haddon, Mo, J. Cole and Bethel music — a real mix, aye.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose this career? Would you do anything differently?
Sometimes I wish I had a trade like a builder or a nurse, but then when I’m on stage really into it, or have just finished writing a dope song — I wouldn’t change it. I believe God has given me this talent and I want to use it 100 per cent and the very best I can to His glory and to help others.
Do you want to share anything else?
I would like all you Fijian music artistes to know that the Vodafone Pacific Music Awards in NZ is actually open to all Pacific Islands, that includes you Fiji we have some amazing talent and its time to let our island shine in the music industry (pacificmusicawards.org.nz).
Also my new website is voiceandkeys.com where you can keep track on my new releases and movements. Thank you for your support Fiji media.
