A love of music that began quietly in his early twenties has now taken centre stage for emerging Fijian artist Tulagi, whose new track Sevataki features on the newly released Ga Ni Vatu album by VT1S.
The 39-year-old singer, originally from Nabitu in Tokatoka, Tailevu, with maternal links to Nabaitavo in Naitasiri, is among the label’s newest artists and one of six performers featured on the album.
Tulagi said his journey into music was not something he had always planned.
“I wasn’t always a singer,” he said. “I just loved listening to music. It was around my early twenties when a friend told me that I should try singing.”
Encouraged by that suggestion, he entered the long-running television singing competition Kaila! Star Search. While the experience did not immediately launch his career, it sparked a deeper interest in developing his musical talent.
After moving to Australia, Tulagi began taking music classes before eventually returning to Fiji, where he continued to pursue his passion.
His big break came in 2023 when he entered the local singing competition Vocal Battle – and won.
“Straight after Vocal Battle I was mostly working,” he said. “I was managing a bar and doing small gigs here and there.”
His path changed again when he saw an audition notice from VT1S and decided to try out.
The opportunity led to his involvement in Ga Ni Vatu, which features six tracks from six different artists, including three newcomers.
Tulagi contributes the song Sevataki, a track centred on heartbreak and emotional loss.
“The song deals with losing the person you love the most and how you try to cope with life after the heartbreak,” he explained.
While heartbreak songs are common in music, Tulagi said Sevataki aims to stand out through its sound. Rather than the traditional slow ballad style, the song blends emotional storytelling with a more upbeat rhythm.
“Usually heartbreak songs are slow,” he said. “But Sevataki mixes Afrobeat elements. The verses are slower but when it gets to the chorus it becomes faster while still keeping the emotion of the song.”
Tulagi said personal connection to the lyrics is an important part of his music.
“I love singing songs that I can connect to emotionally,” he said.
Inspiration for his musical path also runs in the family. Although he never met his maternal grandfather, Tulagi later learned that he had been a talented singer. Beyond that family influence, one of the artists he admires most is legendary Fijian musician George Fiji Veikoso.
Working with the VT1S production team on the album was a new experience for the artist, who had little prior exposure to professional studio recording.
“At first I thought going into the studio would be intimidating,” he said. “But the team is very friendly and supportive. They guide you through the process and make the recording go smoothly.”
Now officially part of the VT1S roster, Tulagi said he is looking forward to growing as an artist and sharing his music with a wider audience.
“For me this is a new journey,” he said. “I’m excited to see where VT1S will take me and to share my music with the people who will listen to it.”
He also offered encouragement to aspiring musicians who may be hesitant about pursuing their talent.
“Don’t give up,” he said. “I entered competitions before and it didn’t always work out immediately. But if you keep trying, someone out there will notice and help you along the way.”
With Sevataki now part of the Ga Ni Vatu release, Tulagi hopes the song will resonate with listeners who understand the emotions behind heartbreak – and the strength it takes to move forward.
