OK so what exactly is VT1S?
That’s the question that’s been on people’s minds following back-to-back hits on radio and social media.
Names such as Billy T, Ratu, Taufa and Naomi have popped up in conversations. There has been much talk in the context about producer George Wasile, aka Tropic Thunda, and songwriter/rapper cracker Sitiveni Vereakula — most just call him Stee.
Billy T’s Taqanika and Ratu’s Yalayala have broken ground across the country, heralding what many consider the new kings of the local charts, a movement they’re calling Fiji’s very own VTBop Music.
So, what exactly is VT1S? Or who are they?
Billy T, who is no rookie to the music biz, is the son of the late vocalist Lia Osborne and Bill Beddoes, the founder of the 80s band Nostradamus.
So, this week in Back Tracks, we chat with the vibrant 29-year-old in an exclusive interview about his personal views, dreams and aspirations to inject new life into the rather dormant music industry.
Billy T’s humble rise began with his first band, Generation 6, before starting a new band called Strangers, which went apart after the passing of best friend Christina Alexander Wendt (guitarist/bassist).
Billy T says he has been in the industry for 11 years since he was 17 years old.
In this interview, Billy T talks extensively about what he calls the backbiting and negativity in the industry, something he isn’t scared to point out. More importantly, he’s zoomed in on the positivity of his new journey as a solo artist.
“Thunda, the studio producer who came up with the VT1S concept, chose Ratu, Naomi, Taufa and I,” Billy T says.
“He saw us as Fiji’s No.1, hence VT1S. We were supposed to come up with 15 original iTaukei songs to host our very own concert, but then COVID hit.
“The idea was to launch our new movement we call VTBop Music, a new sound to boost the music industry – something that’s been brewing since 2020.
“VT1S is a collection of Fiji’s rising musical artists and recognising their creativity, a new sound.”
With the onset of COVID-19, everything slowed down. Thunda roped in other young rising talents with whom he had worked to join and perform live with Billy T and the crew.
“So, what do I hope to achieve with my love of music? Well, let me say I hope to try and change the industry’s focus on arts in general – music included.
“Yes, I hope to leave behind a legacy, but if I have to stand behind the stage just to help lift the music industry in Fiji, I’d be more than happy to do that.
“My whole intention was to support music and not perform.”
So, Billy T joined up with other VT1S members Ratu, Taufa, Naomi, Oni, Pojee, Ozz and Liz. And they rocked Suva’s National Gymnasium in style, with lights and stage dancers flawlessly choreographed behind the performing artists, who were all relatively new faces.
Though there was the occasional case of stage shock and jangled nerves, the long late nights of rehearsals paid dividends.
There were fans who braved the heavy rain on concert night and queued up at the front entrance; there were fans who bought tickets in advance, and there were those who bought at the gate until all tickets were sold out.
It was the first-ever show of its kind, a kind of bombshell in a never-seen-before live act by mere youngsters. VT1S featured exclusively young artists, each brandishing a debut single.
Billy T, who closed the VT1S concert with Taqanika in three-quarter pants and bula shirt, received a standing ovation and deafening roar for his flamboyant charisma on stage.
He says his intention is to support and lift local music to new heights, and if it needs him to lead, then that’s what he’ll do.
“I’ve never performed to a crowd like that.
“Nerves were high, bro.
“This is a step-up in stage performance. I usually have a guitar in hand, but this one had a huge stage, so while focusing on the songs I also kept in mind to interact with the audience.
“Ratu set the standard with his amazing performance. He went before me and, boy, did the crowd go mad. I said ohh sh*t! here we go because I knew I had to meet that level.
“Overall, it was an exciting night for everyone. I thank all those who attended – and the support and love they showed on concert night – vinaka vakalevu!”
The concert was also about making a statement for Billy T and the crew. He fronts a new, young generation of artists he believes wouldn’t have got a chance without VT1S movement.
Billy T is also concerned about the negativity that seems to be an inherent part of the music business, and that there’s been much backbiting since concert day.
“I’ve been hearing people saying they will lift the music industry in Fiji and all that. I’m not naming names, but for so long I’ve heard the same thing, although nothing has happened.
“This is a place where upcoming artists can showcase themselves, VT1S offers that platform. Before this, we were knocking on doors asking ‘please, we want to do this with you’, but there just wasn’t any positive response.
“They say we should do it this way and not that way. There were some that wanted recognition of other artists in our show when we were trying to showcase a new vibe of talents. These were people I looked up to.
“So, when we started doing it ourselves, all of a sudden they wanted to be best friends again.
“But for me personally, music is more than just playing, it’s more than just singing – music is making it live for as long as you can make it live.
“Music is never a first-time career choice in Fiji because there is no future, or it’s just a waste of time. That’s the mindset in Fiji. Now, with VT1S’ impression after its first-ever concert, we will change mindsets and VT1S are not scared to point out the facts that no one has done this before.
“The musical direction hasn’t changed much in Fiji. It’s been like this for a long time. We want to up the standards, not only in terms of music, but live performances and productions and creativity – a concert to make the next new big sound.
“So, I’m passionate about it, and I’m working towards getting Fiji on the market, so when people ask where I can watch a good concert, they’ll say come to Fiji.
“For people who follow us, I hope they know the difference between what’s quality and what’s not.
“A lot of people listen to the stereotypical kavoro kind of music, and all we’re trying to show is there’s been a change in local music – it’s VTBop Music.
Billy T singles are Taqanika, One Time (feat Stee), Dilio, Saiva Ciwa and A.D.I.
“There is definitely a Volume 2 brewing for VT1S and plans are in the works to host another concert, so stay tuned,” says Billy T.
“As an artist, I’ve always wanted to know about my roots for a long time and where I come from, that’s why I chose the song Taqanika. There are many versions of the legend, but no one truly knows.
“Our music is not only about beats, but the message in the music.”
Billy T started his musical career with the band Strangers, a group formed with his siblings, all of whom are musically talented as well. He is the eldest of five siblings. Sister Nikita leads the band Ouvacast.
Other than gigs at popular establishments and resorts along the Coral Coast, Billy T hosted a concert in tribute to his late mum Lia in 2019.
