OLD school musician is what renowned guitarist Maxie Columbus would call himself today.
Maxie is a Fiji-born US-based musician with an impeccable music career spanning over a few decades.
The Ovalau-born guitarist is overwhelmed at the thought of performing at tonight’s Fiji Performing Rights Association (FPRA) music awards at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
Simply learning to play a guitar in Toorak, Suva, Maxie fondly remembers how he quickly learned to play the guitar at the age of 14.
“When I was 14, I started playing at the Bure Ghetto in Toorak. I was a fast learner when it came to music and I was self-taught,” he said.
“Just after two years I started playing professionally at the Golden Dragon Nightclub and from there I started playing at resorts, nightclubs and on cruise ships.
Now playing in the US, Maxie is quite impressed with the level of talent young Fijian musicians have in the country.
“I’m so impressed with the young talents out here and the guitarists who are going for the Tom Mawi award are exceptional,” he said.
“I was so excited that I even called to ask if I could bring over my own guitar and equipment. For me it’s a great honour to be able to perform with other artists.
“It feels great to be part of this and to be among upcoming musicians and I look forward to it.”
FPRA director Seru Serevi said they were happy to have Maxie in as their special guest this year.
“In the past we have always included well-recognised artists who are connected to Fiji and this year we were able to get Maxie Columbus to join us at the music awards night,” he said.
“We know that his presence in the country will motivate young guitarists.”
