They came, they saw, they conquered.
Now the Common Kings are back to do it all again.
In fact the dynamic outfit promised “a party” and this essentially what transpired as the Biggest Reggae and R&B Concert Island Vibes 2014 drew hundreds to the Vodafone Arena last night.
Since making their presence felt a few years ago the Common Kings has brought a certain vibe to the island music scene.
The band’s extremely wide ranging repertoire and musical prowess, coupled with an unorthodox energy and fun loving ways has endeared them to local music fans.
The reception these colourful personalities received from local fans in Suva last year hasn’t easily been forgotten.
Fiji, in fact, hasn’t been far from their minds as bassist Ivan Kirimaua explained that this Fiji tour has been discussed with Infinity Eevents Group from as far back as January this year.
“This is the show that we have even talking about since last year,” said Kirimaua at a press concert leading up to their first performance.
“We’ve been really excited about coming back and were just so excited that it’s happening.”
“You guys are in for a treat,” promised Kirimaua, who is of Kiribati extraction.
Music fans gearing up for the second performance tonight can take heart from this statement.
Pacific Vibes 2014 has also been an excellent chance for the California based performers to reconnect with their fellow Pacific island musicians in J Boog, George “Fiji” Veikoso and Sammy J, among others.
Two years ago the group collaborated with “Fiji” and J Boog on their single “No Other Love.
“We worked with them, all these artists before so you know, they’re just like our family so we’re excited to bring them over here to Fiji and it’s gonna be a great show,” said Kirimaua.
“It’s gonna be just countless amount of hours of just great music, great times.”
The Biggest Reggae and R&B Concert Island Vibes 2014 also featured Tenelle, Hot Rain, DJ Osna and Sammy J at the Vodafone Arena last night.
The Common Kings announced that they are preparing to launch their first full length album next year.
“We have an album coming out next year and were really excited about that and can’t wait to share it with you guys,” said Kirimaua.
The album will be another milestone for the band which came onto the music scene in 2002 as “Natusol”.
With their pop, rock, reggae and R&B influences, Natusol started off by mimicking and listening to artists such as Van Morrison, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Michael Jackson and The WHO.
Eventually the band developed their own eclectic brand of music combining elements of each genre.
The band comprises lead vocalist Sasualei “Jr King” Maliga, Taumata Grey, Kirimaua, Jerome Taito and Erik Przytulski. The rollicking ensemble arrived in Suva after a hectic year of touring, notably with Justine Timberlake.
“We’ve been on the road this whole year but this one coming back home to Suva is always nice, it’s always special,” explained Kirimaua,
“We definitely had a whole year to get better. We have a few more songs out that were done last year when we were here.”
“We’ve learned this year being on tour with different acts in the states and most recently with Justine Timberlake.”
“We’ve learned a lot and were hoping to implement a lot of things that we learned in the show and give Fiji a few things that we learned … a few tricks.”
Talented singer and songwriter Tenelle Luafalemana known as Tenelle accompanied the group last year but this time around she will performing her own set.
“I’m excited to have my own set and being able to travel with my brothers…has been an honour,” said the artist with Samoan blood who hails from Carson, in the US.
“Being able to have my own music and have my own set is very humbling and I’m excited,” said Tenelle who looks to Lauryn Hill, Adele, and Melanie Fiona as her vocal inspirations
Her single Bulletproof has generated over 40,000 views since it was released on Youtube.
This fast rising artist will definitely be one to watch tonight alongside other music stars of Pacific island descent who will converge at the Vodafone Arena to give locals one big party to remember.
