POPULAR Suva based musical group, One2eight plans to use its nomination at the Fiji Performing Rights Association 2016 Music Awards as an opportunity to rally support for an industry where the aches and sweat of anemic pay are largely ignored by key stakeholders and policy makers.
Musicians work long hours for little pay.
Band leader Nesbitt Hazelman said it was important that everyone at the country’s premier music event understood the ramifications of bargaining down the fees charged by live music acts and also how piracy affected the livelihoods of composers.
“Let’s celebrate the unique God-given talents of our musical youth and the elder statesmen of the industry,” he shared.
“The public can do that by supporting live bands when they perform or by purchasing a genuine CD when they release an album.
“And venue owners, hotels, restaurants and bars can do their bit by hiring live bands or musicians.
“Don’t invest in keyboard manufacturers research and development, invest in Fijian-made musicians and our home-grown talent.
“Once upon a time we had a vibrant live-music scene in this country but sadly, talented musicians, sound engineers and entertainers have been replaced by two people with a keyboard and it’s all in the name of cost-cutting.
“Our message to the people is simple. Invest in live music by supporting the genuine article means an investment in decent work for musicians and the families that rely on them for their livelihoods.
“The sad truth is everyone wants to be entertained but they don’t appreciate that the people entertaining them have mouths to feed, bills to pay and children to be educated.
“When bands or musicians are hired for an event, the first thing people do is try and reduce the price.
“They don’t take into account the hours of practice and sacrifice that musicians go through just to be there for that particular event. For them to perfect their act and deliver a great show or entertainment requires long hours of practice which involves daily travel and finance. And yet, sometimes bands are even asked to play for longer periods for the same amount they were initially hired for.
“This has to stop.
“Because of the limited jobs, there is competition and musicians are struggling. People need to look beyond the glamour performance and understand the intricacies involved, the hard work and money that the musicians put in for others enjoyment.”
Strong words indeed from the One2eight leader whose daytime gig is CEO for the country’s premier private sector organisation, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation.
Hazelman is speaking from experience. From his first forays in the ’70s with Racial Harmony and then Sneak Preview in the ’90s and now with One2eight, the guitarist and vocalist has been an advocate for live music and improving the livelihoods of local musicians.
“The days of paying musicians peanuts are long gone. Music is an art and the people who spend hours practising and perfecting their skills need to be recognised, respected and nurtured.
“And that is something we are trying to do with One2eight. Musicians need an opportunity to express themselves and if they are given that opportunity and have the right guidance then the sky really is the limit for the industry in Fiji.”
One2eight is nominated in two categories at the FPRA 2016 Music Awards.
The first single off their debut self-titled album, Sai Kemuni, is in the running for the Best iTaukei Song and Most Popular Music Video awards.
Composed by drummer and vocalist David Steven, the ode to love was written about 12 years ago.
“When I composed Sai Kemuni, like all other young couples, we were going through some difficult times and the lyrics kind of captured how I was feeling and also described my desire to win her back,” he shared.
“It was written as a ballad. I wanted her to know that all the while she was always the one.
“When I decided to record the song with One2eight, my wife, Loata and I had come full circle. We are stronger than ever and very committed to each other and I wanted a more upbeat sound.
“So when our producer and bass player Ratu Joe Tabakaucoro came up with the R&B groove, I knew it was the right feel for what my wife and I are going through now.
“We want this song to be a song of triumph for all couples and a song of hope that nothing is impossible when you put God first.
“Everything just magically falls into place when you honour Him.”
The Sai Kemuni singer said he had plans to release more songs with One2eight and challenged musicians in other groups to move into music production.
“We all have families to feed and look after but that should never stop any of us from putting pen to paper and using our creativity into action by composing original music.
“I am humbled and proud that a song I wrote 12 years ago has finally seen the light of day and I urge all the musicians out there to get into writing original songs.”
David is the son of legendary drummer Paul Steven who was a member of the iconic crossover group, The Freelancers.
FPRA music awards organiser and veteran musician Seru Serevi said having a band like One2eight at the local music industry’s night of nights was a huge plus.
“They are bringing back the live music sound that we all grew up with and this is something that FPRA is passionate about,” he said.
“We want more live musicians performing on records and more live performances on a regular basis because this adds to the creativity and flavour of any song.
“The FPRA Music Awards has created a platform for live music to be revived and the more bands like One2eight, Inside Out and others continue to compose and record songs with live instruments, the better it will be for Fiji and our industry.”
The FPRA 2016 Music Awards will be held on Saturday May 14 at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
The Fiji Times is a sponsor of the event.
