Etta-Music is what I am
ANARIETA Gonerogo for many years had performed as a singer in various renowned resorts in Fiji.
Now the seasoned singer is stamping her mark on the country with songs she has written like 2 Bags Waca La which has become a popular hit amongst Fijians today. Name: Anarieta Sabua Leduaivosaki Stage name: Etta Gonerogo Occupation: A full-time singer Marital Status: Separated Children: Seven
Where are you from and where do you have maternal links too?
I’m from Vadravadra in Gau and vasu (maternal links) to Naravuka Village in Seaqaqa, Macuata.
Schools attended: I attended three primary schools which were Vunavere Primary School, Lami Primary School and Delainamasi Government School and for high school I went to Ratu Sukuna Memorial School.
Who inspired you as an artist?
No one inspired me as an artist growing up but singing was something I was always passionate about and I always looked forward to any sort of opportunity to sing. It all started when I was young (six-years-old). I use to sing in church and at home, I would often sing with my parents who were my backup.
What sort of genre are you into and why?
I’m into all types of genre but not so much Jazz and Blues, but I still love to listen to Blues once in a while.
What songs have you released so far that has become popular on the radio waves or in Fiji?
The Coca-Cola Games Toso Mada Mai song and the 2 bags Waca La.
When did your passion for music begin and who first noticed your musical talent?
The first time I got noticed was when I auditioned for this band called the Raikivi Boys Band. The band leader had taken me in straight after my audition with them.
Do you have a favourite musical instrument that you like to play?
I do have a favourite instrument to listen to which is the bass guitar, but I don’t play any sort of instrument. Classical piano is beautiful to listen too as well.
When was your first gig?
My first gig was at Kings Nightclub in Nabua.
Which gig would be the best for you so far and why does it have a strong impact on your life?
To be honest I have a lot of best gigs, but the one that had a strong impact on my life was the Hibiscus Carnival main stage (closing night) performance back in 1998 because it was the first time for me to perform for a large crowd. I was so nervous that I told my ex-husband I couldn’t do it because there were so many people waiting to hear me sing. So we went and bought a ¼ bottle of rum and I drank it before performing to just calm my nerves. My ex-husband was so shocked because I just had a big gulp of rum, so you could say I was somewhat tipsy, but I was then so ready to get onto that stage. Another successful gig for me was back in Pom City in Papua New Guinea last year; it was nerve-wracking because it was held in a different environment. I thought to myself, if I can make this fellow Pacific Islanders dance to my song then I can definitely entertain anywhere in the world.
As a singer with many years of experience, which decade would be the best and worst time to be considered a singer?
Best decades for me as a singer were back in the late ‘90s when I slowly tapped into writing my own songs. The experiences I’ve had have really shaped me as an artist. The worst time for me to be an artist was back in 2000 to 2002. During this time most of my gigs were cancelled because of the coup. Also my contract with my band the Zambua was cancelled at the Fiji Mocambo Hotel around the same time.
Did you have any other career apart from being an artist?
I did a bit of sale and marketing for a friend of mine when she set up her business in Nadi which was for a day trip cruise. If my singing career didn’t kick-off back then I would have still done that job. I had a certificate in accounting.
How do you view the music industry now compared to before?
The music industry has changed a lot now. Programmed music has sort of affected the livelihood of live music artists. Social media is great in the sense where we can showcase and promote our music to a wider audience as in the past we had to rely on radio stations, newspaper and the television (mainstream media).
What advice would you give upcoming musicians out here?
My advice to musicians is to be true to themselves. Never try to be someone else and always be kind. Try listening to all genre of music and never settle for just one type of genre because it can broaden your musical knowledge. Never belittle or criticise other singers or musicians.