Industry struggles amid virus
THE impact of COVID-19 on tourism and the subsequent shutdown of nightclubs has hit many who were dependent on the entertainment industry for survival.
Local singer and songwriter Viliame Navoka, better known as Vly, said he, like most other musicians, was forced to budget whatever money he had.
Vly –– the man behind the 2012 hit tune Muju Cola –– said he had to learn to survive with no income when hotels, clubs and restaurants were forced to close in March this year.
“As a full-time artist, we rely solely on the money we make from our music and performances at gigs to fund our everyday livelihood,” he said.
“A challenge I faced when COVID-19 hit us was that I had to learn how to budget and utilise whatever money I had during this time. It is really hard, especially when you don’t know when or where your next pay cheque will come from.
“When the clubs and hotels closed, I resorted to other means. I have a good and loyal following on social media and over the years I have helped business houses with their social media and would do part-time work as a social media content creator.
“I was fortunate that when the pandemic struck, followed by its restrictions, I was offered part-time work at the Samson Lee Fiji boutique where I was tasked to handle their social media pages for four months. “I am currently volunteering at WOWS Kids Fiji with their social media and public relations during their awareness program.”
Vly said the most important lesson he learnt from the lockdown was the importance of good hygiene and spending more time with family.
“There is so much uncertainty right now, there is no definite plan for the future because we are living in unprecedented times. Gigs are slowly coming in.
“I just plan to live life day by day and take things as they come and, at the same time, try to save whatever money we make.”
He said music had always been a form of escape while he was growing up, and this was one of the key reasons he took it up as a career.
“I know the feeling of depending on music as your comfort. To be able to provide that escape to someone or anyone out there is the reason I love singing.
“I was always a bathroom singer. I am a strong believer in surrounding yourself with the right people who have common goals as yourself. I became good friends with Savuto, Ilisavani, Eroni Dina, Pauliasi, et cetera through social media and this is how it all started.
“It was during an evening dinner at Savuto’s place that we decided to write a song for me and that’s how my debut single Muju Cola came about.
“Everything just kind of went in my favour. I went on to win a FPRA Music Award for ‘Best Music Video’ for my second single Mositi Au and the rest is all history.”