“No matter what, I am always going to be here.”
Those were the words George Brooks Veikoso, known to the world as ‘Fiji’, often told his children.
An expression of deep love uttered to reassure his offsprings, these very same words offered comfort and solace to the thousands who are mourning a legend hailed as the King of Pacific reggae.
From Hawaii to Samoa, Papua New Guinea to Tonga, family, friends, and fans travelled to Suva to pay tribute. Thousands more were logged in to his Youtube channel to watch the livestream of his farewell service.
Pacific artists at the farewell service included Tenelle, Spawnbreezie, Three Houses Down, House of Shem, Josh Tatofi, and General Fiyah, Danny Stephens and Lapi Mariner.
Each stood alongside fans from all walks of life, each carrying their own memory of the man whose music felt like home.
‘Fiji’s’ son, Shiloh Veikoso, described his father as “an interesting man who wore many hats,” meaning he was many things to many people.
“Specifically, to me, he was like Superman, he’s here one day, and the next day he’s across the world doing whatever he wants,” Shiloh said.
“One thing he always told his kids was, ‘no matter what, I am always going to be here.’
“I used to think he was always there in like music, or financially, but he meant in spirit.”