‘Never proud, always humble’: Tributes continue to flow for ‘Fiji

Despite his international success, George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso was never one to take pride in himself. Instead, he was a quiet force whose actions spoke louder than words.

Veikoso died on Thursday in Suva after a long illness. He was 55 years old. He was preparing for his Homecoming 2 concert, scheduled for later this year.

Whether he was performing on global stages or returning to his beloved island home of Fiji, Veikoso carried with him an unshakable humility that defined his character.

As the world mourns his passing, those who knew him best say his greatest victory was not in the awards he won, but in the way he inspired generations through his music, his love for culture, and his unwavering humility.

Born on 10 May 1970 in Suva, Veikoso rose from humble beginnings in a single-parent household in the housing settlement of Raiwaqa.

Vasemaca Waqanisanini, who grew up with Veikoso, remembers him as incredibly humble.

“Porgie, as we used to call him, was always caring and considerate of everyone,” Waqanisanini tells PMN Fiji. “Despite his international success, he was never proud. He remained humble.

In an interview with PMN's Levi Matautia-Morgan on ‘Fala Talks’ in 2016, Veikoso explained that his artist name, ‘Fiji’, was intended to give credit to his country.

“I want Fiji to get the credit, and I just want to be George,” Veikoso told Matautia-Morgan. “So every time they are cheering for my music, they are cheering for my country.”

George 'Fiji' Veikoso with his mother Adi Nanise Veikoso, seated on the left along with family and fans in Nadi recently. Photo/Facebook

In his early interviews, Veikoso often spoke about his upbringing as a “child of a broken home”.

Aca Rayawa, a former Fiji lawyer-turned pastor, recalls he was 12 years old, and Veikoso was eight when they lived close to each other, saying that Veikoso would often pop up, asking questions that had already been answered.

“We could not avoid Porgie as he was always popping up out of nowhere asking questions that have already been answered and it used to really get on our nerves.

“On top of that, we attended Calvary Temple Church together. I heard his interview recently where he was talking about being mentally and emotionally hurt because of his broken family background and then I realised that that little eight-year-old boy in Nabua was just looking for love, acceptance, and to fit in somewhere.”

George 'Fiji' Veikoso with fellow Fijians in Wellington after the 'I love Fiji benefit concert in 2016. Photo/Facebook

In Rayawa’s Facebook tribute, he reflected: “Let's face it, no other Fijian has ever captured the hearts and genuine love of millions from around the world like Porgie, you have earned that name my brother, Fiji. You were looking for love as a kid, but love found you like a flood.”

Veikoso discovered his love for music in church, where he enjoyed singing as a child. Pastor Jiosefa Waqa, his Sunday School teacher at Calvary Temple in Suva, shared their grief over Veikoso’s passing, emphasising his God-given singing talent.

“George once walked with the Lord and despite the life he chose for himself after that, God’s love is still greater,” Waqa told PMN Fiji.

“We remember his mum and her sisters and the great loss they have suffered and we pray that God’s peace transcends the Veikoso home during this time of sorrow.”

George 'Fiji' Veikoso found healing through music. Photo/ Facebook

Since his passing, Fijians across the globe have called for a state funeral to honor Veikoso’s memory.

But Fiji’ Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says that according to current national protocols, only the President is entitled to a state funeral.

“This guideline does not take away from the great contribution that George Veikoso made through music and culture,” Rabuka says.

“His legacy lives on in the hearts of our people, and his impact will always be remembered.

George 'Fiji' Veikoso at a meeting with Fiji's Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka. Photo/ Facebook

“Veikoso’s roots from Buretu, Tailevu, and his global reach through music make us all proud. We offer our prayers and condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world. Fiji has lost a true son of the soil.”

Veikoso’s passing has been met with deep sorrow across the Pacific and beyond, along with a renewed commitment to carry his music, spirit, and message forward.

He released multiple acclaimed albums, performed on international stages, and collaborated with artists around the world. He was also known for his support for young Pacific artists, often encouraging them to stay true to their roots.

His niece, Nicky Beddoes, released her new single ‘Iko kei au’ on Friday night in honour of his memory.

George 'Fiji' Veikoso was an inspiration to young artists. Pictures here with local Fijian artists. Photo/Paradise Rootz

“He believed in my voice enough to allow me to be one amongst the many to share happiness and story through music,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

“Now in the midst of all single drops, I’d like to introduce and dedicate my new single…to the GOAT and melody legend who taught me that I didn’t have to be number one in the industry to prove myself, but to use my talent wholeheartedly so that the world would always hear a story and not just a song.

“Unko Pojee, this one is for you.”

Veikoso’s music, including hits like "Sweet Darlin'" and "Lia," spoke of love, heritage, and resilience, resonating with generations across Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.

Watch Part One of George "Fiji" Veikoso's interview with PMN's Levi Matautia-Morgan below.

They universally praise his immense talent, his ability to unite people through music, his humble spirit, and the profound legacy he leaves behind.

Fiji’s Opposition Leader in Parliament, Inia Seruiratu, says Veikoso’s capacity to uplift generations and his commitment to his Pacific identity, even in the face of illness.

“George’s journey took him from our islands to the global stage, yet he never lost touch with home,” Seruiratu says.

“He fused tradition with modern sound, giving Fiji and the Pacific a voice that resonated far beyond our shores. His music became a passport for our culture.

Watch Part Two of George "Fiji" Veikoso's interview with PMN's Levi Matautia-Morgan below.

“Even through illness, George never stopped singing. He showed us that talent is a gift, but service is a calling.”

Veikoso’s mother, Adi Nanise Veikoso Baravilala, hails from Naibati in Buretu, Tailevu. She lives in the United States but recently returned to Fiji to be with Veikoso as his condition started to deteriorate.

Veikoso passed away surrounded by his mother and close family. Family sources have confirmed that funeral arrangements for Veikoso are currently underway.

George 'Fiji' Veikoso with Maui singer and songwriter Glenn Awong, who goes by Maoli. Photo/Maoli