Since his early days playing the keyboard at the All Nations Christian Fellowship church, Alifereti Suka has made a name for himself in the local music industry.
Originally from Salia Village, Nayau, Lau, Suka has worked and produced music for many popular local bands that have flooded the airwaves for the past 11 years.
The 41-year-old has worked alongside local groups, including Dokidoki, Malumu ni Tobu, Leba Boi Yawa, Cagi ni Delai Yatova, Voqa Talei Kei Nayau.
He said in 2012, he was approached by Vilimone Lote of Dokidoki Gospel to learn how to become a producer at his studio.
“The two brothers from the Dokidoki Gospel challenged me and offered to teach me to produce songs from their studio,” Suka said.
“My first songs I produced was for the Dokidoki Gospel Volume 5, that was a very amazing experience for me.”
Suka started off his career at the Dokidoki Studio where he worked for three years and later six months at the Procera Music Fiji.
He is the youngest sound engineer in Fiji and owns his own studio called the Dege Studio Productions, located in Kalabu, Nasinu. Since 2012, he has produced songs for over 50 local artists and groups, including Leba Boi Yawa E Lomai Nasau, Savu Ni Delai Lomai and Senilagakali kei Koroilagi.
“Some artists I’ve only heard on the radio, and when they came to record in my studio, I considered it a privilege and an honour.
“I work full time as a song producer and in one year we can produce close to or over 100 songs.”
In 2018, Suka was awarded the best Song Recording Engineer award by the Fijian Performing Rights Association (FPRA).
It was such a humbling and amazing feeling to be awarded and be seen for my work over the years.
“I aim to produce more songs in the future and win more awards.”
He said a few challenges he faced as a producer was working with groups and artists as many have different styles of music.
“There are some gospel groups that I am working with now — Malumu ni Tobu and three other groups, as well as gospel songs. Different groups have different ways of singing. Some practised well then come to the studio while others do their practice at the studio. Some come to the studio and think it is the same as singing in one concert or church, but they do not know singing outside is different from singing in a recording studio.
“I sometimes take the time to teach them how to sing. Some of them are afraid — they think they will be singing in a group but really they will sing individually.
“I am grateful that I have the experience and passion for music that I can teach some of them.”
Suka said he only reached Year 10 and dropped out of school. He encouraged youths to make use of their talent.
“For me, I did not get much education during my school days, but I’m happy that God gave me a talent and I can provide for myself and family.
“Some can be a doctor, teacher or nurse, but some of us in the village we got the talent for music.
“I would encourage people to learn a skill and give it a try.
“You won’t lose anything if you try out new things because it might end up being your bread and butter.”
Suka can be contacted through his Facebook page ‘Freddy Sugar’ or mobile on 2821334.
