THEY have been considered as a Fijian band that has a whole lot of young budding artistes but do not rule out Kula Kei Uluivuya from the local music industry because they have a lot more to offer in the near future.
They recently hit the local market with their third album released last December titled Duri mai tavale.
Duri mai tavale literally means “stand up and come here cousin” in the iTaukei language and is usually used during festive seasons where merrymaking and fun is at its peak in villages.
Band founder and director Viliame Cokanauto said the main song was basically a fun dance number that would definitely make you want to grab your tavale during the festive season for a siba (dance) as we say in the village.
“It is common in our villages and various events where our tavale are the first people we challenge for a dance,” Viliame said.
“Also the music video is something that we hope all will enjoy and look forward to more new projects from KKU.”
The group has already released three music videos prior to this latest release and they believe mareting was an essential part of any business, hence the reason they ventured into making music videos.
Music videos, according to Viliame, proved to be a very strong promotional tool for music and it helped get their music out there.
He said there had been a lot more responses towards their music since they started investing in producing music videos and this was the reason they started their own production label KKU Productions, which catered for music videos, artwork and graphics, music production and photography.
The public has been quite supportive in terms of this new era for Fijian music whereby more and more musicians and artistes are now making music videos.
“However, there will always be a few people who will always criticise what we do, and that’s inevitable.
“The important thing is that we believe in ourselves, and keep working towards a brighter future for Fiji music as a whole.
“The whole album has our latest music including the award-winning song Noqu Senikau and many other songs I have composed and written for few of my clients, most of whom are based overseas.”
This latest album has a range of songs that have been hits in the local music industry recently.
One of the songs is about 16-year-old Asenaca Turagacati, who recently received the dux prize at Ratu Kadavulevu School this year. Its music video was also launched on Fiji TV.
“Another song, Rui mosi dina lei, was written for a woman, who now resides in Switzerland, who we only corresponded with through emails and Facebook. Another very touching story is the song about Vasiti Rekisa, who married PNG national Jims Rekisa. She passed away in 2011 leaving behind her husband, a beautiful daughter and two sons,” Viliame said.
“Songs from the album are based on real life experience, and I appreciate all those who have trusted us to tell their story through music.
“Recently we performed at a wedding at The Pearl in Pacific Harbour where we also launched a track from the album called ‘Natalie’ dedicated to the newlyweds Ratu Meli Kuruyawa and Natalie Talei King. It was their official wedding song.”
Viliame said they would continue to focus on their music production in a bid to lift the standard of the local music industry in Fiji.
