Grace Vuata is steadily carving out her place in Fiji’s contemporary music scene, balancing recording projects with university studies and full-time work while encouraging young artists to remain disciplined and focused.
Speaking during an interview with The Sunday Times, the 23-year-old said her journey into music began soon after she left Adi Cakobau School, when she was introduced to the industry by her manager, Paris Nasaroa, a board member of the Fiji Performing Rights Association.
“I’ve been part of the music industry since 2021,” she said.
Grace shared that the transition from school to professional recording happened quickly once she began working with her management team.
Inspired by family and global icons
Growing up, Grace drew inspiration from international vocal powerhouses such as Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, but says her strongest musical influence came from home.
Her father, a church minister and choir master, shaped her early understanding of music as both a calling and a discipline.
“Seeing him push through music inspired me that music is something else. It’s not just a hobby, it’s a God-given thing,” she said.
New music on the way
Fans can expect more releases in the near future, with Grace confirming that new songs and music videos are currently in production following her recent Sa Bera track.
While exact release dates are yet to be finalised, she said upcoming material would continue to focus largely on romantic themes, while also exploring youthful contemporary sounds.
“Mostly romantic love, but I’m working towards more youthful music as well,” she explained.
Balancing study, work and creativity
Beyond the studio, Grace is also pursuing tertiary education at the University of the South Pacific, where she studies journalism and psychology.
Juggling online classes, employment and music projects requires discipline, she said, but the experience is helping her grow personally and professionally.
“It’s how you train yourself to become a better version of yourself every day. Every new day, make sure you don’t repeat what you did the day before.”
Her decision to study journalism stemmed from a desire to tell stories and amplify the voices of people who often go unheard.
“I like storytelling. I always wanted to engage myself in telling the stories of people that are unable to have a voice to do so.”
Views on AI in music
Addressing the growing debate over artificial intelligence in music production, Vuata said the technology offers both opportunities and challenges.
While it can assist aspiring creators, she believes it risks diluting the emotional depth that comes from lived experiences.
“When you write songs, there are feelings and emotions to it. AI can be helpful, but it has also taken away an important aspect in true storytelling,” she said.
Looking ahead
Over the next decade, Grace hopes to complete her studies, further develop her songwriting skills and eventually establish her own recording studio.
For now, she remains focused on steady progress rather than fixed expectations.
“At the end of the day, whatever the Lord has in store for me in the future, that is what I will work with,” she said.
Her advice to aspiring artists and performers is to remain resilient in the face of adversity and stay committed no matter the criticism.
“Be consistent, be hardworking in what you do and do it for yourself and your family. People’s opinions don’t matter when you are passionate about what you do.”
Grace Vuata. Artist, storyteller and aspiring journalist. Picture: ALIFERETI SAKIASI
