Arts

By Rowena Singh “There’s never a last song,” says InsideOut lead singer and guitarist, Apakuki Nalawa about the band’s ability to fill dancefloors. “We have to literally run off the stage. People just don’t want to stop partying, dancing and singing.” InsideOut’s passion, iTaukei lyrics, melody and instrumentation has brought them fame across Fiji and […]

By Prerna Priyanka In the vibrant world of urban and open-style hip-hop dance, TUINZ stands out as a dynamic duo, making waves in Fiji and beyond.  Comprising twins Adriel and Akuila Tuivaga, TUINZ promises an unforgettable showcase of talent, creativity, and a tribute to a dear friend at the upcoming Fiji Fringe Festival. With a […]

By Prerna Priyanka In a blend of creativity and performance, Moana Loa is set to mesmerise audiences at the upcoming Fiji Fringe Festival with a whimsical performance inspired by a childhood favourite. Choreographer Maleina Molia says: “The audience can expect Moana Loa to bring a fun performance to the Fringe Festival with a themed storyline […]

By Prerna Priyanka In a vibrant display of talent and creativity, MATA Dance Crew, a creative dance company based in Suva, is gearing up to captivate audiences at the Fiji Fringe Festival on March 23, 2024. Founded by Tevita Tobeyaweni in 2019, MATA Dance has become a trailblazer in the Fiji dance scene, aiming to […]

By Prerna Priyanka As anticipation for the Fiji Fringe Festival builds, one name stands out among the performers—Skillz Fj, the Sunshine Coast based musician, and a proud advocate for his unique heritage. Since migrating to Australia in 2020, Samuela Konusi Taukave (aka Skillz Fj) has seen his musical career, powered by his vibrant personality and […]

From the moment the first artist in A Dance in 5 Installations slinks along the top of a wall and launches himself onto aerial silks, you are transported on a powerful journey. Choreographer Glenville Lord says the work represents the full circle of his experience, starting as a junior dancer at the Oceania Centre, working […]

By Prerna Priyanka In a ground-breaking initiative aiming for inclusivity in the arts, the Fiji run of MAMMA MIA! The Musical is gearing up for a special ‘accessible performance’ on February 10, 2024. Directed by Michael Payer, this rendition of MAMMA MIA! promises to dazzle audiences while serving as a platform for local talent. The […]

Rarotonga-based filmmaker and playwright, Glenda Tuaine’s short film, Taonga: An Artist Activist, will be screened for the first time in Fiji today at the third Pacific Human Rights Film Festival. The 15-minute short film is about Mike Tavioni, a renowned Cook Islands master carver, vaka builder, painter, poet and activist. Tuaine’s first encounter with Mike […]

By Elizabeth Kolivuso and Samantha Magick Suva painter Jane Ricketts’ Memories exhibition at the Oceania Art Centre is a window into Fiji’s history and history-makers, iTaukei and Indo-Fijian culture, cityscapes and intimate depictions of her family. Ricketts’ elegant use of watercolours, oil paints and paper collage bring her subjects, and their stories, to vivid life. […]

By Samantha Magick As the daughter of an international public servant, Sonam Sapra has lived all over the world. That nomadic, rich lifestyle is reflected in her latest fabric collection, titled ‘Worldly’, which takes ornamentation from many of the countries she has lived in and reimagines them in a new way. “When you see it […]

As one of Fiji’s pre-eminent dance companies, the vibrant energy VOU brings to every performance feels like an extension of their founder’s personality. Sachiko Soro is a living embodiment of the energy, spirit, and mana the company is renowned for. VOU (meaning ‘new’ in iTaukei) is dedicated to delivering dynamic, visually-stunning and sometimes moving performances […]

By Prerna Priyanka Self-taught artist, Jeke Viwalu Lagi’s new show Variant at the Gallery of Oceanian Art in Suva shows off his abstract expressionism in a new way, through the use of woodwork and paint. The exhibition at the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus, is a captivating display of Lagi’s distinct woodwork creations […]

By Max Cross Mason James Lee has been a leading light in the Fiji art scene since his first exhibition in 2000. The self-taught, award-winning painter, muralist and interior designer, is of Chinese and iTaukei heritage. Born and raised in Suva, Mason feels a deep connection with his paternal family land in Bua on the […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti Jack Isaac Junior’s woodcarving skill is an inherent talent that is shared by his clan, and their relationship with Jack’s of Fiji is an extraordinary one that has lasted generations.  “My grandfather and father used to sell their carvings at Jack’s Handicraft back when it was just a small shop,” Junior recalls.  […]

By Rowena Singh Hanging up his stethoscope and embracing music has transformed Suva doctor, Rayneil Singh into an award-winning performer. When the FIPRA (Fiji Performing Rights Association) awards were held for the first time in a couple of years (due to Covid) in October, his name rang out six times. Dr Singh, aka Ra V, […]

Local filmmakers finally getting screentime By Ben Wheeler “Every culture has the right and responsibility to present its own culture to its own people,” writes New Zealand filmmaker Barry Barclay.  “That responsibility is so fundamental it cannot be left in the hands of outsiders, nor usurped by them.” These words seem more relevant in Fiji […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti Fashion designer and artist, Epeli Tuibeqa knows how to make an entrance. Before the start of his runway show, he performs an opening dance–the elegant flow of his hands mesmerising – before he takes a bow and gives a cheeky grin to the crowd, making way for his models. The KuiViti designer […]

Warwick Marlow on turning trash to cash, and bringing Fijian art into hotel suites By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti Walking into the domain of an artist is an incredible feeling. Everywhere you look is a mirror of the artist’s beautiful mind, every corner demanding to be noticed. This is certainly the case when you step foot into […]

Words and photos: Angus Delaney Mana Coffee is one of many businesses around Suva that’s getting an artistic makeover from superb Fiji artist Jack Eastgate. The mural, focused around a tanoa, is one Jack hopes customers enjoy as much as he does. “I was really excited that they allowed me to put this up and […]

By Leila Parina “I am excited and humbled as well to be part of the whole experience and the industry as well,” said Michael Mausio after winning the “Progressive Development in a Fashion Business” category at the Fiji Fashion Week (FJFW) Awards. Although he has been nominated before, this was Mausio’s first win at the […]