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Litia’s family puts it all together
FOLLOWING a successful series of local shows earlier in 1975, Fiji’s own international star entertainer Esther King was back in action putting together a season of Christmas concert for December.
Esther, better known on the Fiji scene as Litia, was jointly billed with her cousin Inoke Baravilala, himself a star in his own right, having arrived home from an extensive tour of the night spots of England, Europe and the United States.
Litia’s Christmas 1975 shows looked like a family affair. When the first show of the season began rolling at 8pm Wednesday, December 17, 1975 at the Suva Civic Auditorium,
published a preview of it on Saturday, December 13, 1975.
Vocal backing for the singing star cousins was provided by other three Daveta (Litia’s maiden name) sisters - Roko, Mea and Tute.
Providing a little rhythm was her 10-year-old son, Peni Kotobalavu Jr, on bongoes while her eldest son, Gene Conrad (11) provided three or four songs, accompanying himself on guitar.
“We want to bring across the family feeling of Christmas,” Litia was quoted in as saying in the leadup to the concert.
Also backing up the stars was a six-piece combo, Station Circle, specially put together by Litia for the season.
A group of male dancers was also to take centre stage for a few of the numbers in the show.
“They’re practising and we’ll out them on if they’re good enough,” Litia said.
The theme for the shows was the ‘60s.
“We’ll be doing what people in Fiji like hearing and are familiar with,” Litia said.
This was mostly middle-of-the-road songs, including some Diana Ross type blues and some rock numbers.
She said she would also do some songs with Inoke.
“I expect Inoke might also do a few spiritual and gospel songs in line with the season,” she said.
Litia said she was disappointed that she could not get the Royal Fiji Police jazz band for the shows as she did previously.
With the Christmas season approaching, they wee tied up with other engagements and extra duties.
Litia helped out on the music side on the piano while Inoke brought his guitar along.
The season was the last chance Fiji people got to enjoy Litia’s talent “for some time”.
She revealed that in early 1976 she was planning to go back on the international circuit and remain there for a while.
Litia returned to Fiji in 1975 after spending four years overseas which she spent mostly as female singer for the Platters, performing in New Zealand, South America and elsewhere. “But I’ll always come back to Fiji,” she said.
“The reaction I’ve had from audiences here has been terrific.” Apart from two shows at the Civic Centre, Litia’s other shows were held at the Isa lei Hotel and Naviti Resort.