IN terms of live music performance, the FPRA 2015 Music Awards more than lived up to expectations.
Electrifying performances by the Redemption Singers, Via Ni Tebara, Ronald Jai and Takia were superseded by a young man who is fast making a name for himself in the local, regional and international music scene.
Lanky Tailevu lad Inoke “Knox” Kalounisiga showed Fiji and the region, by virtue of Sky Pacific, why he rates among the best in the business.
He did this by not only scooping four music awards last Saturday night at the Grand Pacific Hotel but also by delivering unparalleled mastery of the electric and acoustic guitar.
The Naimasimasi native staked his claim as Fiji’s eminent music statesman of late with his guitar wizardry and prowess. Only a handful, many of whom have passed on, are in this league and Knox proudly etches his name on Fiji’s elite music totem pole.
In fusion we have Mike Reymond, in jazz there’s the inimitable Tom Mawi and who could dismiss the all-round prowess of the late Waisea Vatuwaqa or the blues licks of the late guitarist known as Vula.
Knox now joins the ranks of these music greats as a crossover artist who has fused elements of folk, rock and reggae and taken Fiji music to the indie scene in Australia.
His performance last Saturday — from the nifty guitar work right through to an acoustic delivery of his hit single Coming Home, written about the birth of his first-born — spoke volumes of how far Knox has come since he first emerged as the lead guitarist for Suva-based band Kulture in 2003.
While Knox displayed international flavour at the premier music awards night, it was Via Ni Tebara, the group from Nakorovou in Rewa, that showcased what good iTaukei music should be all about.
Backed by a live band who delivered their music with intensity and drive, Via Ni Tebara showed Fiji and the Pacific they will become a force to be reckoned with over the next few years.
After a lively display of iTaukei music by Via Ni Tebara, Hindi music lovers were brought to their feet by the on-stage antics of veteran musician Ronald Jai.
The composer and performer of many hits such as Musumusu Raki, Meda Yalo Vata Ga and Solia Mai Na Kalou E Dua Na Gone -— a tribute to the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara — Jai has been on and off the local music circuit for almost four decades.
Last Saturday night, he made many question his absence from the performing and recording scene with a smooth delivery of Musumusu Raki complete with his unique dance moves and stage rolls — all done without missing a beat.
Jai’s stage show, Via Ni Tebara’s enthusiasm, the Redemption Singers zeal and Knox’s originality was upstaged by a band that brought live music performance to another level at the FPRA Music Awards this year.
Takia, the composers and performers of the hit iTaukei tune Oi Au We, took ownership of the stage at the Grand Pacific Hotel last Saturday.
In the process, they set a benchmark for all other groups that will be billed to appear at Fiji music’s biggest awards night over the next few years.
Seamless segues from one song to the next and a polished delivery of all their original tunes and their interpretations of cover songs left the audience wanting more long after they had delivered their last song.
Band leader Mansus Knight said they were blown away by the reaction they received at the music awards.
“The feedback has been so good that we have already been asked to perform again next year,” he said.
“The only way I can best describe the event is to simply say that it was amazing.
“The atmosphere, the vibe and the way the local acts performed was awesome and I can only see this event becoming bigger and better and developing into a premier music event for the Pacific region.”
Takia were roped in to perform at the FPRA 2015 Music Awards while touring the country this month.
Knight said coming home to perform for their biggest fans was a godsend for the group.
“We have to thank our manager Don Prasad for giving us this opportunity and we would like to ask all our fans to support live music by coming out to catch us on our last few gigs in Fiji.”
Takia will perform at the Nausori Club tomorrow night and at the Royal Suva Yacht Club on Saturday.
Next week, the Sydney-based band will travel across to Vanua Levu and play at the Hot Springs Hotel in Savusavu on Friday, May 29, before performing their final show at Subrail Park in Labasa on Saturday, May 30.
FPRA 2015 Music Awards winners
* Best Gospel Song — Nikotimo by Divine Signature Gospel composed by Sainitiki Sinumila.
* Best New Artist — Seni Dawa ni Delai Dokidoki
* Best Music Video — VLY Mositi au
* Most Outstanding Song — Coming Home by Knox composed by Inoke Kalounisiga
* Best Recording Engineer — Ravesi Leweniqila for Na Dodomo E Mataboko — artist Waisale Qilatabu
* Most Popular Song — Rarawa Ni Yalo Oqo by Via Ni Tebara
* Best Hindi Song — Van Ko Chali Man Janki by Avinesh Chand
* Best iTaukei Song — Curu Mai by Savuto Vakadewavosa
* Best English Song —
Coming Home by Knox
* International Achievement Award — Knox
* Outstanding Service to Fijian Music — Tui Ravai
* Best Composition —
Coming Home by Knox
* Hall Of Fame inductees — Rev W E Bennet, Ro Cavasiga Raicebe, Jolame Rokodrega, Satvik Dass and Amena Wainibu.
