George Brooks Veikoso, known globally as Fiji, a towering figure in Polynesian reggae and contemporary Hawaiian music, has passed away at the age of 55. His death was confirmed on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Hawaii, with reports from his home nation of Fiji on July 24, 2025, confirming he died in Suva, surrounded by family. Fiji’s passing marks a profound loss for the music world, particularly across the Pacific Rim, where he was revered as a singer, songwriter, producer, and mentor. (Hawaii News Now), (Wikipedia), (FBC News), (KITV), (NZ Herald), (ABC Pacific)
Born on May 10, 1970, in Buretu, Tailevu, Fiji, Veikoso’s musical journey began in church. He briefly joined the Fijian band Rootstrata in 1987 before moving to Hawaii the same year, a decision influenced by the 1987 Fijian coups d’état. It was in Hawaii that his career truly blossomed, as he became deeply embraced by the local music industry. (Wikipedia), (Hawaii News Now), (NZ Herald)
Fiji released his debut album, Evolution, in 1994, quickly gaining traction with hits like “Lia,” “Symphony of Love,” “Nasty,” and “Good Thing.” His 1996 album, Born & Raised, further cemented his star status, topping charts and establishing him as a prominent voice in contemporary Hawaiian and reggae. His influence extended beyond recordings; he co-wrote and sang the theme song “Let Me Be the One” for season 11 of the popular TV show Baywatch and even appeared as an actor in the 2002 surfer film Blue Crush. (Hawaii News Now), (Wikipedia), (FBC News), (NZ Herald)
Throughout his illustrious career, Fiji garnered numerous awards and accolades. In 1998, he received two prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for Male Vocalist and Favorite Entertainer of the Year. His collaboration on the “Island Warriors” compilation album earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. Further recognition came in 2014 with the Best Pacific International Artist Award at the Pacific Music Awards, followed by the Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 for his enduring contributions to the Polynesian reggae scene. By 2023, his extensive music catalogue had surpassed an impressive 500 million streams on digital platforms. (Hawaii News Now), (Wikipedia), (KITV)
Fiji was renowned for his theatrical and culturally rich performances, often incorporating indigenous dancers and traditional Fijian drummers that captivated audiences. He headlined annual “Birthday Bash” concerts alongside Kapena and toured extensively across the Pacific and along the West Coast. A highlight of his later career was the “FIJI HOMECOMING” concert in Nadi, Fiji, in September 2024. This two-day event, which featured international artists like J Boog, Josh Tatofi, and Maoli, drew thousands of fans and was estimated to have injected FJD$1,000,000 into Fiji’s local economy. He was reportedly set to headline another Homecoming Festival in September of this year. Despite battling illness, which at times saw him perform from a wheelchair, Fiji continued to tour, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his craft and his fans. (Hawaii News Now), (Wikipedia), (FBC News), (ABC Pacific), (NZ Herald)
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, reflecting the immense impact Fiji had on countless lives. Fellow musician Kimie Miner expressed her devastation, stating, “It just felt like I couldn’t call on my mentor anymore, and he’s not there anymore… his legacy is so big that I know his legacy will carry on forever.” Kelly Delima, who called Fiji his “Boso” (brother in Fijian), shared heartfelt sentiments. Polynesian Music remembered him as “more than an artist,” whose music was “the soundtrack to our childhoods, our family parties, our car rides, our quiet nights, our celebrations, and our heartbreaks.” Labour Party Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni hailed him as “one of the most talented Pasifika/ reggae musicians ever.” Laisa Vulakoro, Chair of the Fiji Performing Rights Association, called him “the biggest artist that ever came out of Fiji and the Pacific,” noting how he “took Fiji music to another level” by distinctively combining Fijian elements with reggae. Often referred to as the “voice of the Pacific,” Fiji’s soulful voice and island pride touched hearts worldwide. His profound influence as a cultural force, a unifier of Polynesian people, and a mentor to a generation of artists ensures that his music and message will resonate for generations to come. (Hawaii News Now), (FBC News), (NZ Herald), (ABC Pacific)
