George Veikoso, a beloved Pasefika reggae singer professionally known as Fiji, has died at the age of 55.
Sources close to Fiji’s family confirmed his passing on Wednesday 23 July 2025.
The Fijian singer’s accolades throughout his career include earning a Grammy nomination for the collaboration album “Island Warriors” and winning the Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Male Vocalist of the Year, and Favorite Entertainer of the Year in 1998.
The Fijian icon’s soulful voice and timeless music touched hearts across the Pacific and beyond, and tributes are flooding social media from across the globe.
Polynesian Music have issued a heartfelt tribute on its social media page.
“Fiji was more than a musician; he was a cultural movement, a voice for the people, and a beacon of light in challenging times.”
Born on 10th May 1970 in Tailevu, Fiji, George Veikoso rose from humble beginnings, earning $5 for his first professional singing performance.
His early days with the Fijian band Rootstrata and influences from his uncles, Isireli Racule and jazz star Sakiusa Bulicokocoko, shaped his path.
After moving to Hawaii in 1987 due to Fiji’s coups d’état, he carved out a legacy as a pioneer of the “Lost Coast Sound.”
His 1998 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for Male Vocalist and Favorite Entertainer of the Year, along with a Grammy nomination for the “Island Warriors” compilation, cemented his status as a global reggae icon.
From his debut album “Evolution” to the 2019 release “Love & Roots,” Fiji’s catalog, which surpassed 500 million streams by 2023, resonated deeply.
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He co-wrote the “Baywatch Hawaii” theme song and appeared in “Blue Crush,” leaving his mark on popular culture. “Fiji inspired artists across the world. He opened doors and set a standard,” a music industry colleague remarked.
Fiji’s memorable contributions to the Polynesian reggae scene leaves behind a lasting legacy.
