In painting, I want to say something comforting in the way that music is comforting.’
That was how famous 19th Century Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh, described how he found his muse in music.
Like Gogh, music artists find inspiration in a host of things — from dreams and heartbreaks to life events and nature.
For local artist, Elena Baravilala-Gardiner, one of her greatest motivations is the happy memories of her late younger sister whom she lost in March.
She said the memories she shared with sister Salome Vuninai Baravilala were nothing shot of amazing.
“Those 27 years were full of colour, beauty, struggle, fights and endurance but at the end was a warrior who overcame it all and left behind a great legacy of love,” Elena said.
Those sentiments shared by Elena epitomises how close the siblings were
Originally from Nabavatu Village in Macuata, Salome was a natural singer and music was part of her life growing up.
Elena said, she passed away on March 6 due to a short illness but “left behind a tremendous impact on the lives of people who knew her”.
“She started singing at four years old in every crusade around Ovalau and at the National Stadium at five years old where the late Pastor Tim Uluirewa played and she sang.”
“The major thing for her was singing at every morning and evening devotion which indirectly fine-tuned her voice.
In fact, music has always been part of the Baravilala sisters’ DNA. Both their paternal and maternal grandfathers were musicians.
Their maternal grandfather released and wrote his compositions. He recorded “Caucau ni Ului Tomuna” which also featured their grandmother, Helen, who also sang in her days.
“My mother performed at USP during her younger days and won her own talent quest and dad always played bass and composed songs,” Elena revealed.
“Our fondest musical memories will always be our family jams where we would take turns to do solo or back up and we loved family harmonies – it was one of our favourite past times.”
Elena says Salome brought out the best in her when the siblings performed together.
“I often had to bribe her because she did not really like the backup singer position because she knew she was too good to be my backup but nevertheless she was the best at it.
“I was already coming out in the Fiji music industry and took her everywhere with me. She just became part of it and flowed naturally into the industry.”
Salome was also part of the band, The Gang, which was based in Suva from 2016 to 2018.
“She had a great time with The Gang,” Elena said, “It really pushed her into the spotlight, which she loved, and gave her the opportunity to be in her own element and shine.
“The band contributed tremendously to her music career and vice versa she did that to the band.
“They were like family and had their own special bond and made their own memories.”
The lesson that Elena learnt from her younger sister was to have a good heart because ‘that is the most important thing in life’.
“She wore her heart on her sleeve and had a golden heart, and I am glad people remember that more than anything about her.
“She was always selfless, caring and always ready to serve, respectful to elders as well.
Summing up, Elena said Salome was a beautiful gift to this world.
“She is now in a better place singing with the angels and we will see her again one day,” she said.
“We will always hear her voice forever and her beautiful memories live on. She has become more alive now more than ever and we will miss her physical presence.”
