The last surviving member of one of the country’s iconic vocal groups “The Phoenix Choir” received her 50th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Medal on Thursday.
Ilisapeci Tamani was in a joyous mood as she thanked his excellency the President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote for bestowing the medal.
She thanked the Almighty God for the God-given talent that enabled her to touch people’s hearts.
“I am grateful for the 84 years I have spent, thankful for the strength and the talent,” she said.
“I am happy that my family has continued to do what we all love and that is singing and to be honest they are much better than me.”
Tamani shares her journey as a singer, entertainer, daughter, wife, mother and then grandmother saying that it has been challenging but she is grateful for the blessings.
The Phoenix Choir was formed in 1963 by Sir Josua Rabukawaqa.
He established the group by bringing some of the foremost voices of that era together people such as Mei Rabukawaqa, Palu Vatu, Fugawai Boila, Maraia Waibuta, Unaisi Tamani, Saimoni Vatu, Saimoni Waibuta, Jupili Tagicakibau, Viliame Vatucicila, Bogi Ravutia and Ilisapeci Tamani.
Tamani says her musical journey has been a blessing.
In 1953, during a visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Tamani, who was 17 years of age at the time, was asked to sing as part of the entertainment for the British monarch.
She has performed in numerous official functions during international visits by heads of state from around the world.
