While many are still finding the courage to delve into the music scene in Fiji, four young and passionate musicians decided it was no longer time to hide behind their fears, and finally face the music.
Keyboardist Taione Kaloucava, bassist Pio Soweli, guitarist Mika Vakaloloma, and drummer Tomu, were having a mix in their home in Tovata when they decided to finally form a band, a dream they once had when they were kids.
They are now officially known as Sector 4.
Along their journey, they roped in their cousin, Mereani Vakaloloma, as their female lead vocalist, joining Tevita Vakaloloma, and Josefa Vakaloloma.
“It’s basically a family band,” Mereani said of the four.
“They had been wanting to start a band but couldn’t because they did not have the skills of a musician then.
“They’ve been playing in Nadi with different bands, and they know the skills and a lot of things about music which they have been teaching me.”
Feeling excited and overwhelmed, she said the band had been working hard and practising twice a week in Naulu in preparation for the 2024 Bounty Reggae Music Festival on Saturday.
“We are trying not to be scared and all, and I guess our confidence stems from the support and presence of our cousin, Taione, who is the most experience in the team,” she said.
“He’s played with Black Rose and Makare, so he’s been advising us to just do whatever we’ve practised, and just enjoy ourselves.
“So, everything will go great this weekend, and I’m also sure it will be a great day and night for families who will be listening to their favourite reggae tunes.”
Sector 4 will be joining other bands such as Tana music, Sweet Sensation, Chapter 5 (C5) and many others at the 2024 Bounty Reggae Music Festival this Saturday at the Buckhurst, Bidesi grounds in Suva.
