Pacific Music Legend George “Fiji” Veikoso Passes Away at 55, Tributes Pour In
Beloved Fijian-Hawaiian reggae and R&B icon George Brooks Veikoso, known to fans worldwide as Fiji, has died at the age of 55. The acclaimed musician passed away peacefully at his home in Fiji on Wednesday, surrounded by family, as reported by Hawaii News Now.
Veikoso was a towering figure in Pacific Island music, blending reggae, R&B, and island rhythms into a signature sound that resonated deeply with audiences across Oceania and beyond.
The news was confirmed by Polynesian Music via social media, where they honored him as “more than an artist, a voice for the people, a beautiful soul.”
Fans and fellow musicians across the Pacific region and diaspora communities have been sharing heartfelt tributes, celebrating his legacy as a cultural ambassador and musical pioneer.
From Humble Beginnings to Reggae Pioneer
Born on May 10, 1970, in Buretu, Tailevu, Fiji, Veikoso first earned just US$5 for a singing gig, later singing in church choirs before being inspired by musical uncles like Sakiusa Bulicokocoko.
After relocating to Hawaii in 1987 amid political turmoil in his homeland, he rose to prominence with his debut solo album Evolution (1994), followed by the breakout Born & Raised in 1996, which featured his crossover hits “Lia,” “Symphony of Love,” “Nasty” and “Good Thing”. He co-wrote the theme song for Baywatch: Hawaii and appeared in the 2002 surf film Blue Crush.
Known for blending reggae, R&B, jazz, and Pacific traditions—a style dubbed the “Lost Coast Sound”, he became a leading figure in Polynesian reggae.
Accolades and Cultural Impact
One of the most decorated Pacific artists, Veikoso won Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for Male Vocalist and Favorite Entertainer in 1998, and earned a Grammy nomination for the Island.
In 2014, he was named Best Pacific International Artist at the Pacific Music Awards, and in 2021 received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
His catalog surpassed 500 million streams by 2023, with a sold‑out 2024 Homecoming concert in Fiji drawing thousands and generating significant economic impact.
Tributes from Fans and Fellow Artists
An outpouring of grief quickly followed news of his passing:
Kimie Miner tearfully shared, It really hurt me because I felt like I couldn’t call on my mentor anymore. His legacy will carry on forever.
Laisa Vulakoro, a Fijian music legend, called him the biggest artist ever from Fiji and the Pacific, praising his fusion of traditional chants and reggae that “took Fiji music to another level.
Hawaii dedications described him as the Voice of the Pacific, and a movement in himself.
Polynesian Music added: His music wasn’t just something we listened to. It was something we lived through, a true testament to the depth of his cultural resonance.
A Legacy That Lives On
Veikoso’s passing leaves a substantial void in Pacific culture and music. Beyond chart success, he was a mentor to a new generation—championing indigenous identity, storytelling, and heritage. His intergenerational and international influence ensures his songs will remain an enduring soundtrack across Pacific communities.