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HONOLULU (KHON2) — A heartbreaking loss in the Hawaii music community. Renowned Fijian-Hawaiian artist, George Veikoso, popularly known as Fiji, has passed away at the age of 55.
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He died on Wednesday, July 23 in his homeland of Fiji, surrounded by loved ones.
The singer, songwriter and music producer known for his great contribution to Pacific Island reggae has left behind a legacy and discography that will continue to play on.
He was born May 10, 1970, in Tailevu, Fiji, before moving to Hawaii in 1987, where he became one of the most respected names in local music.
In a biography on the artist’s well-accomplished life, he began his journey in Hawaii in the year 1987 when he moved from Fiji due to political unrest.
His solo debut album, Evolution, was released in 1994, marking only the beginning of the beloved artist’s career.
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Fiji has a variety of accolades for his contributions to the Hawaiian and reggae genres.
In 1998, he was the recipient of Hawaii’s Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Favorite Entertainer of the Year.
He became a Grammy-nominated artist for his work on the “Island Warriors” compilation for the Best Reggae Album.
At the 2014 Pacific Music Awards, he won the Best Pacific International Artist Award. Later on, in 2021, he received the Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pacific Music Awards.
He famously co-wrote the Baywatch Hawaii theme song “Let me be the one.”
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Giving back to his community was also another key component of his fulfilling career.
In 2024, he returned home to Fiji to host the Homecoming Concert at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. This star-studded event featured names such as J Boog, Maoli, Josh Tatofi, and more.
The Homecoming Concert is set to return in September of 2025, with Fiji as a headlining artist.
It is said he passed in Fiji with the cause undetermined.
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