In a sentimental acknowledgement of love and appreciation, renowned Fijian born artist Paulini Curuenavuli recently launched her debut Fijian single last month in honour of her late father who succumbed to prostate cancer four years ago.
The single was also released in time to commemorate Father’s Day – an anticipated event in the country.
Paulini is no stranger to the local music industry with her involvement in the past 20 years.
The songwriter and musical theatre actress was born in Suva before moving to West Sydney.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, she shared how her journey in music first began.
“I rose to fame in 2003 as a contestant on the very first season of Australian Idol,” she said.
“I knew from a young age that I really enjoyed music, and I loved to sing.
“As soon as I started going to church, I wanted to join the choir, and my parents fully supported this.
“I sang at church every week for many, many years.”
Paulini spoke on how she felt about launching the debut single.
She said it was a bit strange with having just released her first Fijian single.
“Don’t get me wrong I am very proud, however, I have been a recording artist in Australia for over 20 years now… sorry it has taken so long Fiji.”
The project begins
“The concept for the single, Tamaqu, started prior to COVID hit in 2020, this obviously put everything on hold, then I sadly lost my dad to prostate cancer.”
Once the world opened up again and travel was allowed, Paulini met up with Vude Prince, Savuto Vakadewavosa, who was in Australia for work.
They flew back to Fiji together.
“It was on that flight, while we descended into Fiji, that we finished composing the song.
“It was extremely important to me that this song had an authentic Fijian style and sound.
“And it was for that specific reason we recorded and mixed the track in the studio while I was in Fiji.”
Talking recently to local media, Paulini, said her new debut single was exciting.
“I really hope that everyone in Fiji resonates with this song on some level, I can’t express to you enough how excited I am to finally be releasing my debut Fijian single, I really hope you like it.”
The process of writing and coming up with a completed song is no easy feat – and Paulini is one who knows this all too well.
She spent nearly two weeks in Fiji going in and out of the studio.
“The good news is from these sessions we were able to write and record more than Tamaqu.
“I have another couple of Fijian singles that will likely form an EP and will be released in the very near future.”
Paulini collaborated with Savuto and Vude Queen, Laisa Vulakoro, for the successful launch of the single.
“Working with both Savuto and Laisa was a perfect fit for all of us.
“We have all been friends and caught up both in Fiji and Australia over the past couple of years.
Paulini is particularly happy about collaborating with artists and songwriters from Fiji.
“It enabled me to learn more about the Fijian culture and traditional Fijian instruments, which really helped to create authentic Fijian sounds that Tamaqu has.”
A tribute to her late father
In Tamaqu, Paulini, allows her music to convey her appreciation of her beloved father.
“It feels amazing. It’s always an incredible feeling when we can translate our experiences and emotions into a song.
“It’s an even better feeling when audiences can relate to the lyrics of a song.
“I will always love my dad, and I really do wish that I had one more chance to say ‘Thank you and I love you’ to him.
Reflecting on the Tamaqu journey, she says the project had been a gift and “quite smooth”.
“The only challenge that I personally faced was understanding the translation and emotions of the lyrics when singing the song in iTaukei.”
As a successful artist, Paulini’s timely advice to local composers and individuals is simple. She believes in perseverance and diligence.
“Always take every opportunity you are given. You never know where it might lead.
“It won’t always be easy but if you have determination and a good, close support network you will find the, success you aspire to.
“The biggest tip I would like to share with you all is never give 100 per cent control to anyone else.”
She says this because musicians sometimes lose their ‘voice’ when creating their music and allow others to dictate terms.
“Always make sure you have creative input and a voice at the table.
“You really need this to be part of your process as it will assist in allowing you to grow as an artist.”
Despite her success, Paulini is humble about her accomplishments. She says fame should not be part of one’s ambition.
“I truly do love and enjoy singing, that is where my motivation came from. If you’re interested in pursuing music, do it for love, not fame.
“Fame really isn’t real and can have many negative repercussions down the line, the biggest being losing your privacy.”
Collaborating with Fijians
Savuto says collaborating with Paulini on Tamaqu has been a dream come true.
“It’s been a dream to work with Paulini and just to watch her in her element and do her thing, especially for me personally as a huge fan,” he said.
“Paulini is such an inspiration and is an empowered individual and to share this moment with her has been an honour.
“When composing this song with her I wanted it to compliment her voice and the story, well it’s her truth, so it just naturally came together.”
Savuto is optimistic about Paulini’s upcoming Fijian EP album.
“I’m truly thankful and grateful that she has come to Fiji to work with artists here to bring this project to life.
“As she is one of Fiji’s musical icons to make it global and as an internationally acclaimed recording artist (being the first Fijian to sign to SONY BMG Record Label) she has all the resources abroad to also do this project in Australia or America but the fact that she is working with our people here makes it really special & authentically Fijian made.
“At the same time, she is sharing and empowering her fellow artists here. I can’t wait and I’m excited about this project of hers and truly blessed to be a part of it!”
Tamaqu is now available on all platforms.
