Fiji Day Proclaimed in Hawai‘i. Honouring the Late George Veikoso
It is not often that one nation proclaims a day in honour of another.
But on September 13, 2025, Hawai‘i proclaimed “Fiji Day” — not for a country, but for a man – the late George Veikoso, who proudly carried the name of his homeland as his own stage name, Fiji.
What an honour.
More than 28,000 people filled Waikiki Shell and Kapiolani Park for the A Hui Hou Fiji Tribute Concert. Amid the music and emotion, both the City of Honolulu and the State of Hawai‘i made it official.
September 13 would forever be remembered as a day honouring the voice of the Pacific.
Incredible.
A Soundtrack to the Pacific
For nearly four decades, the late George Veikoso’s music was the heartbeat of the Pacific.
He pioneered a unique sound — a fusion of reggae, R&B, jazz, and hip-hop — that resonated across generations.
Fellow artists called him their Michael Jackson, their Bob Marley. For Hawaiians and Polynesians, he was “the soundtrack of our lives.”
Most of all, he carried his homeland with him. By choosing the stage name Fiji, he ensured every cheer, encore, and headline honoured not just the artist, but the islands he came from.
Vinaka.
Cultural Connection across oceans
It was no accident that the late George Veikoso’s music found such a home in Hawai‘i.
Fiji and Hawai‘i, though separated by miles of ocean, share a cultural heartbeat.
Both are island nations with proud traditions, deep spirituality, and music that flows as naturally as the tides.
The warmth of our people, the rhythm of our dances, the harmonies of our choirs — these echoes are familiar across the Pacific. Fiji’s 333 islands mirror Hawai‘i’s own island spirit, where community and celebration are inseparable from daily life.
So when George sang of love, of joy, of struggle, and of belonging, Hawai‘i understood him instantly. He was theirs, as much as he was ours — and through him, the Pacific felt smaller, more connected, more united.
Isa!
Two Days of Celebration for “Fiji”
Fiji has long marked October 10 as our national day of independence. We are presently preparing for this special day on the island right now.
Now there are two reasons for one nation to be celebrated in song and spirit.
Honouring His Legacy
This recognition is not just about music. It is about identity, culture, and family.
For Fiji, it means our voice has been carried to the world, embodied in one incredible person. For the Veikoso family, it is a reminder of how far his love, mentorship, and music reached.
At VOMO, we join with Fiji, Hawai‘i, and the wider Pacific in sending heartfelt condolences to his family — and gratitude for the gift of his music. His songs will continue to echo across beaches, villages, and gatherings for generations to come.
A Pacific Icon Remembered
As Hawai‘i gathers each September 13, and as Fiji celebrates each October 10, the late George Veikoso’s name will be remembered twice over — as both a son of Fiji and a voice of the Pacific.
Vinaka vakalevu, George. May your music live forever.
This coming national independence day will be a tribute to you and your legacy on VOMO.
Loloma. The VOMO Family.