George “Fiji” Veikoso was yesterday remembered not just as a Pacific music icon but as a son of a proud chiefly line, descended from generations of storytellers, leaders and servants of the vanua.
Delivering the eulogy at his funeral yesterday, cousin (and mother’s namesake) Adi Nanise Veikoso traced his lineage to ancestors who “carried the responsibilities and tradition of our people with quiet strength and care”.
From his great-great-grandfather, Alipate Bolabasaga, came a family whose children included Ratu Jone Colata, Adi Arieta Lutunauca, Adi Salaiwai Misi, Ratu Saimoni Dobui, Ratu Lote and their great-grandfather Ratu Savenaca Veikoso.
Ratu Savenaca first married Adi Nanise Vakatanadi Veikoso of Bau, with whom he had three children – Ratu Inoke Nailovolovo, Ratu Alipate Kalounivalu Bolabasaga (the singer’s grandfather) and Adi Taufa Funaki.
He later married Na Bulou Amalaini Lagilaginivalu of Kadavu, and they had six children: Adi Vasiti Baukenailagi, Adi Saleiwai Misidonu, Bulou Jojina Veiloa, Adi Aleiwalu Melakainamuka, Ratu Imanueli Lovatu and Ratu Kinivuwai Nanoco Veikoso.
Fiji’s grandfather married his grandmother Losena Cibamaiwasa of Namara, Tailevu.
Born to a family of strong women, he was raised by his mother Adi Nanise and later by his grandparents, before moving to Hawaii at 13.
“He never forgot his village, his people, or his purpose,” Adi Nanise said.
“You carried our name across oceans… with unwavering love and respect.”