Freddy Moore returns to big stage
THOSE who took time out to soak in the sounds at the inaugural 2022 Fiji Gold Reggae Festival at the Buckhurst and Bidesi Park last Saturday, certainly got more than their money’s worth.
Apart from the amazing lineup of young musicians who more than did the genre proud, fans got to witness the unmistakable and distinct voice of Freddy Moore.
Those in the know would remember Moore as the lead vocalist for Fiji’s first reggae band, Exodus, the group that emerged out of the Suva suburbs in the early 80s with a street sound and lyrics that the downtrodden could relate to.
He spoke the people’s language, the language of hustling just to put food on the table and make ends meet.
When he took to the stage at the invite of Navua-based band Bitz n Pieces, Moore was in his element.
He took reggae lovers on a trip down memory lane with his version of classic tunes including the Bob Marley and the Wailers dance-floor filler, ‘Jammin’, and hit the sweet spot with the song that took Exodus out of obscurity and into the limelight in 1986 – ‘Fantasy.’
Bitz n Pieces band leader Moji Mistry said they were blown away by Moore’s onstage presence.
“Being on stage with the one and only Freddy Moore was just an amazing experience,” he said.
“We used to listen to his songs during our childhood days and to actually get up on stage and play alongside him was something else, it is a memory the band members will always cherish.
“And one thing I can confidently say, Freddy’s still got it.”
Festival organiser and renowned local event manager Darlene Underwood heaped praise on all the bands that performed on the night.
“It was a show of excellent quality musicianship delivered with the type of passion that makes a live performance memorable,” she said.
Ms Underwood said the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown “saw some new bands formed, quietly playing music and spending time devoted to their art form”.
“These bands were unheard of (by me anyway), however, when I did hear there were some around, I thought we’d give them this opportunity to bring them to the fore.
“They proved themselves worthy for Fiji’s first ever reggae fest.
However, she said watching Moore back on the big stage after decades moved her to tears.
“Freddy’s performance was as expected, bringing memories of an era when musicianship was a serious affair with the local bands.
“But no doubt, the new bands featured on Saturday were also excellent.”
Reggae fans could not agree more. From the opening acts to bands like 4 Quarters featuring the inimitable Ben Masirewa, Raphsody led by Miles and Melita Manulevu, Frank Hamagushi’s band simply called ‘9pm’, Nicky Beddoes and Ouvacast, and Rhythms Fj – the festival rocked.
Ms Underwood said she was always thankful to Jerry Vatuwaqa from Stage Tech and the sponsors who came forward to support the event and hinted at a bigger and better reggae fest next year.
“Music festivals are a billion dollar industry worldwide and Fiji is no exception.
“We have the potential to stage big live shows with the right formula to execute them.
“My wish is to make Fiji the live music hub of the Pacific where international and overseas artists are comfortable performing here and not be shooed away by our tax ramifications.
“This event has the ability to grow with each event we stage.
“Already regional promoters have approached me; some offering a collaboration and others just to pick my brain.”
So get ready Fiji, the 2023 Reggae Festival is already shaping up to be a big one.