Father among finalists
ORGANISERS of the Domo Vou Talei song contest had a hard time getting a hold of Savusavu singer and songwriter Amos Simpson.
It took three days before word could be sent to the Waikovuna native that he had made it to the top 10 finalists list because he was tending to his grog plantation in the Savusavu hills.
“I was hanging clothes when I received the phone call, I could not believe it, but I’m just grateful,” the 36-year-old said.
“This is the first time I have taken part in an original song competition and my wife and two kids were very excited upon hearing that I was travelling to Suva to be a part of it.
“Some of my friends had informed me of the Domo Vou Talei competition and they were asking me to try it out because they knew I had some original songs.”
Simpson said the meaning of his original song Crazy in Love was about people leaving their single life behind and sharing their love with someone else.
“It’s about making up your mind before giving your full commitment to that one special person.”
Simpson said he was inspired by his father Gabriel Simpson and his uncles to sing and also from listening to church songs.
“I have played a bit of music at Namena Resort for about five years performing sigidrigi while working as a boat captain for Namena Marine reserve.
“I have resigned in 2020 and now I am a full-time farmer.”
He said the Domo Vou Talei competition gave artists a good platform to come up with their own sounds and message.
“There are a lot of bands doing cover songs and I think it’s about time people came up with their own stuff.
“This sort of venture is really good, especially for those who are producing their own music, it is an encouragement and an opportunity for them to be exposed.
“I hope to pick up as much as I can from the mentoring and hopefully it makes me a better player and singer.
“I plan to do my best at the Uprising Music Festival on July 9 and to give it all I got.”
The Fiji Times is putting up the $5000 first prize and Westpac the $3000 for the People’s Choice Award.
The Fiji Times is a sponsor of Domo Vou Talei along with the Australian High Commission, Westpac, Communications Fiji Ltd, Fiji Performing Rights Association and Knox Entertainment.
This is the first time I have taken part in an original song competition and my wife and two kids were very excited upon hearing that I was travelling to Suva to be a part of it – Amos Simpson