The 10 finalists in the 2023 Domo Vou Talei original song contest gathered for the first time at the Fiji Performing Rights Association and Tiny Sounds studio yesterday.
They are – Roko Pita Tuilaucala who goes by the stage name King Hit Miss, Natasha Rahiman, Netani Niulevu, the Melody Mate band, SSN featuring Akuila Moceidreke and Jalesi Ratukumila, Eric Wise who goes by the name Ewhyzz, Joeli Kuruleba who goes by the stage name Joey Chieffer, Esther Sanday, Tina Tui and Sireli Waqa.
Tiny Sounds studio managing director and renowned local singer/songwriter Natalie Raikadroka spoke to the finalists and shared about the struggles she faced and challenges she went through when she began her music career.
Speaking to The Fiji Times yesterday she said it was important to remind them that the competition provided one of the best pathways.
“The competition is a good start and for them to recognise that the support we are providing through the Domo Vou Talei team means that music can be a viable career for them,” she said.
“Juben and Jay Tauleka are great examples of how Domo Vou Talei can lead to bigger things where you can actually earn a living out of your music.”
The finalists will spend the next two weeks recording at Tiny Sounds before public voting for the People’s Choice Award will begin on September 30.
The 2023 Domo Vou Talei finals will be held at the Woodstock Uprising Music Festival on Saturday October 7 in Pacific Harbour.
