Musicians put rivalry aside, jam night away
FROM the ‘60s to the ‘90s, local musicians used to gather at live music events, put aside any rivalry and just jam the night away.
From the Capital City to the Coral Coast, to the Jet Set Town of Nadi, and even the remote hills of Vatukoula, bands made the dusty journey to bring the music to the people.
The camaraderie, jokes and “spoiling” being flung back and forth, experiences being shared and commitments made to meet at the next event and to take live music in Fiji to the next level were hallmarks of these events.
This writer saw the same passion and friendship at the Denarau Food, Wine and Music Festival on Saturday.
From the moment musicians arrived and gathered behind the stage to when they went up to perform their set — there was a genuine sense of brother and sisterhood.
Young, up and coming musicians listened attentively as their more experienced peers shared notes on the latest equipment and opportunities.
And the seasoned musicians and vocalists paid back the respect by moving to the front of the stage and cheering their protégés on when they performed.
“This is really what it’s all about,” shared Inoke ‘Knox’ Kalounisiga — event co-organiser.
Knox and his wife Ellana are the owners of Knox Entertainment.
Together, the formidable team host three of the country’s major music events — the Thurston Food and Music Festival, Denarau Food, Wine and Music Festival and the Uprising Festival of Music, Dance and Lights.
“For us as a company, we believe that when you have an event that has great food, fine wine and amazing music — you have practically made the night special for the people who have taken the time out to buy the tickets and show up.
“But for me personally, as an artist, I am humbled to have the opportunity to bring all these amazing musicians and vocalists together and to be able to provide them with such an amazing platform to express themselves.
“As far as the event itself, there was definitely more interest when compared with last year, we had more people come in through the gates, more food stalls and in terms of music, we had more acts.”
The Denarau Food, Wine and Music Festival had something for every one.
There was a range of food offerings from the various resorts on the island and beers and wines flowed throughout the night.
And musically speaking there was something for everyone — from the opening act of contemporary duo Sam and William, the pulsating Polynesian rhythm of Rako Pasefika, electrifying guitar prowess of Terio Dagoniyasi and the amazing music palette of Dave Rounds and Groove Co.
Former Rosiloa front-man Jim Ratusila and Hanisi Maloney took the crowd back to the ‘80s with their band Love 33 while the first couple of Fiji Music, Nem and Talei, got the tui boto happening with their renditions of iTaukei classics interspersed with soul and rhythm and blues tunes.
Knox took the stage with his band The Brotherhood and gave the audience a sneak peek of his up-coming, as yet untitled new album.
However, the biggest hit for the night was the headline act, Papua New Guineaborn, Australian artist Justin Wellington.
He brought the crowd to its feet with his smash hits Much Love, Runaway and his famous rendition of the Dixie Cups 1964 hit Iko Iko.
“It’s so amazing being in Fiji and performing for all you wonderful people,” Wellington shared to The Fiji Times.
“I’ve been to Fiji many times and have so many great fans and I have been wanting to perform for many years and I thank Knox for this great opportunity.
“It’s a blessing and very exciting.”
The Fiji Times was a sponsor of the Denarau Food, Wine and Music Festival.
It’s so amazing being in Fiji ... I’ve been to Fiji many times and have so many great fans and I have been wanting to perform for many years and I thank Knox for this great opportunity.
– Justin Wellington