An innovative project that had been brewing in the minds of two of Fiji’s gifted artists for some time has finally materialised.
That superb creation, Salusalu, is a joint collaboration that drew inspiration from top-notch fashion designer, Samson Lee, and award-winning Vude singer, Savuto Vakadewavosa Salusalu is the label of a new t-shirt line designed by both Lee and Vakadewavosa.
It is also the title of a song they composed with Stee Vereakula – one of Fiji’s brilliant music producers – which is expected to hit Fiji airwaves soon.
The interdisciplinary partnership was a first for the two. In fact perhaps a first for the industry.
Naturally, they were nervous about trying things outside their comfort zones, Lee in songwriting and Vakadewavosa in designing clothes.
For the vibrant Vude star, it was about getting real with a peculiar passion for tees.
For super talented Lee it was trying out something unique. Vakadewavosa admitted he always wanted to doT-shirts ever since he launched his musical career.
“I have had so many conversations about it through the years,” he said.
“If I ever was going to venture into merchandise it was going to be T-shirts first because I love collecting them.”
To demonstrate his T-shirt craze, the Bulou Noqui Tau and Sa I Vagadaci singer revealed having a suitcase of collectible T-shirts “that have not been worn”.
“When this opportunity came, I was quite excited as Samson already has a successful T-shirt line titled, “Fijian” and it was also an opportunity to learn from him.
The flamboyant Lee never dreamt he could put his thoughts down on paper and write songs, but was swayed nevertheless by the hope of trying out something artistically different.
“We usually catch up at my home and during one of our many conversations and jokes, the idea of the T-shirt line and song was born, and we are super excited to see both becoming a reality,” said Lee.
Lee and Vakadewavosa first met briefly during the 2011 Fiji Day celebrations in the United States where the latter was performing. Little did they know, that chance encounter would one day blossom into a lifelong friendship and reciprocal business partnership.
“We look back now at that moment and laugh because we never imagined that from that brief meeting, we would become great friends,” Lee recalled.
He said the collaboration was to celebrate friendship, life and fuse fashion and music to bring a design and song to life.
“With admiration and respect towards each other’s art and sharing some of the same sentiments in the creative arts and dreams in pushing the envelope, a collaboration was eventually going to happen and what better time than now.”
On the Salusalu song, Lee and Vakadewavosa worked with Vereakula and another talented producer George Wasile, better known as Tropic Thunda. Vakadewavosa said composing Salusalu gifted him with a great learning experience.
“We shared a lot of ideas and there was also a bit of going back and forth. I’m used to writing in a certain way and doing it solo most of the time, so this was a really interesting and enjoyable process for me,” he said.
So what really is Salusalu all about? Vakadewavosa said the song was a love letter to everyone who loves salusalu, Fiji’s traditional floral necklace and an emblem of genuine Fijian warmth and goodwill. ”
We hope it would rekindle our love for it and remind us of its significance and what it stands for,” he said.
“Salusalu is a gift of appreciation, love and in this case friendship and sharing. We have come through some tough times as a country, as Fijians, as families and as friends. We need to continue to appreciate each other and share our love.”
The artists were present at the recent Samson Lee Spring Collection Show at Westin, Sacramento in the USA on March 19 where Vakadewavosa featured at the reception, performing and launching Salusalu – a T-shirt and a song.
