He grew up idolising Laisa Vulakoro and Seru Serevi but never thought he would end up being compared with them.
Talented vocalist Savuto Vakadewavosa is now living the dream he had fostered as a child.
Dubbed heir apparent to Seru Serevi’s “Vude King” tag, Savuto created a stir after releasing his debut single, Bulou Noqu I Tau a few years ago.
It was a catchy song with a likable disco beat that endeared him to people of all age groups.
That hit, which was originally done by Vulakoro, is included in a 10-track extended play album, Ra Sa Cariba, that was released this week.
This compilation has been in the works for some time.
“For the past six years I have been planning to put out an album but never really got around to doing it,” explained the Suva-based vocalist.
“Over the years people having been asking me when I would release my first album so I thought that it was about time I got my songs into an album.
“I’m so excited that I finally have a product out there that I can actually give back to the people. The wait has been overdue,” said Savuto.
In recent years he has travelled to and performed for eclectic audiences in the US, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and even Korean, helping take vude to the masses.
Back at home Savuto has thrived in Suva’s close-knit performance art scene that includes musicians, dancers and even those who gravitate to the theatre scene.
This has given the Cakaudrove lad a more holistic attitude to his work and encouraged him to think out of the box.
Yet even before that, five years spent in California with his parents had laid the groundwork for his artistical inclinations.
Savuto’s father, Reverent Doctor Epineri Vakadewavosa, is the general secretary for the Methodist Church of Fiji.
As a youngster, he was either singing in the church choir or engaged in devotional hymns at home, essentially paving the way for a career in music.
Savuto’s rise as a young vocalist was also another example of talent that often emerges from the church environment.
A passionate songwriter over the past decade, the 27-year-old has collaborated with non-governmental organisations writing on issues like HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, climate change and safe motherhood to create awareness.
“I am inspired by many surroundings and many situations and the reality that people face on a daily basis,” said the former Lelean Memorial School student.
One of these tracks, Giving Life, an ode to safe motherhood, was included in the album “to give people an idea what other work I have been engaged in.”
New songs on the album include Curu Mai, Ena Bogi, Talei Vei Au and Na Siga Ni Sucu.
The album also included an extended version of Bulou Noqu I Tau.
Savuto isn’t ready to rest on his laurels, with a more comprehensive compilation, including all his original tracks, eyed for this year.
“I am hoping to complete that album before Christmas this year. I would consider that to be my debut album.”
Ena Bogi, a track on his recently released compilation, provides a sneak preview of what to expect from Savuto when he does let out his definitive debut compilation.
“”I am overwhelmed and privileged to be compared to them (Vulakoro and Serevi),” he said.
“I have been listening to Laisa since my primary school days,” said Savuto, who is originally from Lakeba, Saqani in Cakaudrove.
“Bulou Noqu I Tau was the song that I had imagined doing. Out of all of Laisa’s songs it was the one I had always wanted to do.”
The album drew from the talent of various music producers and sound engineers within Suva, including Isireli Gumatu (Rave Studio), Jerry Vatuwaqa (Sound Tech) and Michael Irava (J1 Dark Side).
“I like working with different sound engineers and producers because they all provide a different sort of feel for each track,” said Savuto.
The singer is looking forward to eventually touring the whole of Fiji when he does release his definitive debut album later in the year.
Savuto reflected on his first meeting with Vulakoro about six years ago at the Hibiscus Festival, when he was a volunteer with the Fiji Arts Council and the vude queen a judge during one of the shows at the event.
Little did Vulakoro realise that Savuto had by then already started writing songs and was on his way to establishing himself as a professonial musician in his own right.
Now regarded as a protege of Vulakoro, Savuto maintains his sheer determination to stick to his dreams is key to his sucess on the muisic scene.
“Miracles do happen and if you believe enough in what your own potential, then anything is possible.”
Ra Sa Cariba is available at South Pacific Recording outlets around the country, on itunes through Music Production House Australia and by way of F1 mobile platform.
