Savuto finds his voice beyond the noise

Award-winning Fijian singer and songwriter, Rusiate Savuto Harold Vakadewavosa, better known by his stage name Savuto, has never been one to stand still.

Dubbed the “Vude Prince” for his distinctive fusion of traditional Fijian vude with electronic pop, the artist says age, experience and faith have reshaped not only his music, but the person behind it, himself.

“Age and life with its experience teaches us a lot of lessons that we grow from,” Savuto said.

“Savuto now is more confident and knows his value, but his willingness to keep on learning and sharing remains.”

It is a quiet confidence forged over years of navigating an industry that can be as unforgiving as it is celebratory.

While fans see the polished performer on stage, Savuto explained that music has been a deeply personal journey of self-discovery.

“Music has always been my saving grace,” he said.

“For me, I believe it’s a calling and I feel like I’m just getting started. I’ve had all these years to find me through music. I’ve learned to be resilient, because in the midst of trials you have to be innovative in overcoming those hurdles.”

Shutting out the noise

Like many artists who rise into the public eye, Savuto admits criticism once cut deep, but today, he approaches scrutiny with a more measured perspective.

“When I first started it used to get to me, but now I just shut out the noise if it’s negative,” he said.

“I do take the constructive ones and grow from it. People will always have something to say but don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Away from the spotlight, he finds peace, joy, and grounding in those closest to him.

Family and friends are what keeps him anchored to reality.

One particular reminder from a close friend has stayed with him, “Savuto, remember you are with your friends, not your fans”.

An album still unfolding

Savuto’s most recent album, Na i Loloma, released in 2023, marked a turning point in his career.

It allowed him to express himself more honestly after years of balancing personal creativity with audience expectations.

“When I first started out, I was doing what most people wanted to hear, and I loved it, but I was not fully expressing my work,” he said.

“Na i Loloma gave me a bit of a chance to do that, and I see people gravitating towards it two years after its release.”

That gradual appreciation has only fuelled his excitement for what comes next.

A new body of work, currently in development and pencilled in for a 2027 release, promises to be his most intimate yet.

“There are so many stories to share,” Savuto revealed.

“The direction of this upcoming project is what I look forward to sharing. I’m going to get ahead of myself and say this will be one of my most intimate and best works to come.”

New sounds, shared journeys

Musically, Savuto is exploring fresh territory, collaborating with producers in Fiji and abroad while carefully curating each track.

“The melodies are such to complement the words and their emotions,” he explained.

“I really want to take my time with it and give it all of me. That’s the beauty of collaborating; you fuse your sounds and create new harmonious melodies.”

His current writing sessions span Hawaii, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Australia, and his wish list of collaborators is extensive, ranging from regional favourites to gospel artists and producers.

Gospel influences, he reveals, will feature strongly in the upcoming album.

Giving back to the next generation

Despite his growing stature, Savuto remains committed to sharing his journey with others, particularly younger musicians finding their way.

“Music really is all about sharing,” he said.

“If my truth in this industry can help another individual, then I’m always happy to share and mentor when I’m needed.”

He advises youths to give their 100 per cent in whatever field of work they’re in, to remain humble, stay hungry, and to not let setbacks define the journey.

“Only God Jehovah defines us,” he said.

“Trust Him and you will be fine.”