The Chief sets sights on hip hop stardom
RATU Maikali Takirua is a budding musician with a vision – in 10 years, he hopes to establish himself as a recognised hip hop artist in Fiji and the Pacific.
Ratu Maikali – aka The Chief – considers himself a rising rapper whose raps are a daily challenge to people facing suicidal thoughts, separation and depression.
His interest in rap started while at Marist Brothers High School from 2012 to 2016, and although initially a little shy, he did the traditional obligatory impromptu performances for close family and friends. And it was at the urging of family and friends that the Namosilad started uploading his rap videos on social media.
For families and friends, they are not surprised at how far the eldest of four siblings has developed his musical career. Some of them say it’s in his DNA.
The Chief’s aunt is May Takirua, the lead singer of the Christian Mission Fellowship worship team, and he also shares links with Mavana legend Saimone Vuatalevu.
Vuatalevu scored great success with the hit Tucake Mai in 1986, but well before that he had fronted a band called the Quin Tikis back in the late 1960s, winning his first talent quest in 1968 at the age of 21. Since then Vuatalevu has been one of the mainstays in the legends department of the Fiji music fraternity along with vude front runners Laisa Vulkakoro and Seru Serevi.
The Chiefs videos have been shared and viewed by more than a thousand individuals. It has also gained him recognition by practitioners of the inner city music art form.
“My stage name is The Chief. It, basically, comes from my first name Ratu, which is chief in English,” he says with enthusiasm.
Since then, The Chief says he’s been invited to perform with artists such as Tuku and Wilo.
“My interest in rap really started to grow when I’d watch or listen to rappers such as Mr Grin, Sammy G, Wilo, Nemoney and Mynless Me,” he says, adding they played a significant role in developing his love for rap in his young days.
But The Chief’s biggest musical inspiration are artists from the 80s to the early 2000s.
“This is regardless of the genre,” he says, adding that within 10 years, he hopes to establish himself as a recognised hip-hop artist or rapper in Fiji and the Pacific.
“I’d also like to create milestones and create history for Fiji’s music industry, especially towards the hip hop genre.”
The Chief plans to release an album in the near future.
“I am planning to work on an album and raise the bar for other artists when I’ve completed it.
“Honestly, I would love to rap with any overseas artist as long as it’s relatable or gives a good vibe.”
His chiefly advice to youngsters seeking to make a career of music is to never stop believing in themselves.
“Lots of popular singers and musicians get a lot of criticism and hate, but it is in believing in themselves that they succeeded,” The Chief says.
I am planning to work on an album and raise the bar for other artists when I’ve completed it. Honestly, I would love to rap with any overseas artist as long as it’s relatable or gives a good vibe.
– Ratu Maikali Takirua