Tucked away in the credits of songs streamed by millions around the world is a name many in Fiji will remember.
A few years ago, Tahi Johnson Fiu was the young Rotuman-Fijian bassist chasing a dream after earning a place at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Today, he’s helping shape music heard on international charts, radio stations and streaming platforms across Ireland, the United States and beyond.
The quiet achiever has worked with artists whose music has reached millions of listeners, with songs he produced collecting more than 1.9 million Spotify streams.
One of them, Favela by Irish rapper KhakiKid, climbed to No.10 on Ireland’s Official Homegrown Chart and earned radio airplay across the country.
Now based in Los Angeles, Tahi has built a reputation not as the face on stage, but as the musician and producer behind the scenes — writing, arranging, producing and laying down the bass lines that bring songs to life.
His journey is proof that success in music isn’t only reserved for singers under the spotlight. Sometimes it’s the person in the studio, quietly perfecting every note, who leaves the biggest mark.
Despite the international success, Tahi hasn’t forgotten where he comes from.
When asked what advice he would give a young bassist growing up in Rotuma or anywhere in Fiji, his answer was simple: “Respect the music, respect the people you work with, and never forget your roots.”
Tahi Johnson Fiu’s story is a reminder that big dreams don’t always begin on big stages.
Full story tomorrow in The Sunday Times.
TAHi JOhnson Fiu. Picture: SUPPLIED
