Tag: Arts

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 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 […]

Fiji’s original music competition, Domo Vou Talei, is on the hunt once again for Fiji’s next big star! This year’s Competition, funded by the Australian High Commission and others, hopes to unearth and showcase the incredible talent of more aspiring musicians in Fiji. In 2022, Domo Vou Talei launched the music careers of artists like […]

This year’s World Music Day celebrations in Fiji makes a grand return with a fantastic all-Fijian lineup. The event first began in France in 1982, and is now celebrated annually in over 100 countries including Fiji.  It gathers professional and amateur musicians, from mixed musical universes, languages and communities, to share their passion for music […]

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 […]

Part Two: Reflections of the Fiji Fringe with Sharleen Ali By Ben Wheeler Sharleen Ali is dynamic. She bristles with a creative energy that seems to produce so many thoughts a minute that if there was a way to convert them to electricity, her ideas could power a small village. It is this potency that […]

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 […]

Classical operatic singing is becoming a regular feature of Fiji events, thanks to the talented vocal group, Pasifika Prima Voce. Founded by Sunia Soko Loga, a classical vocalist who has returned to Fiji after years studying music at Kosin University in Busan, Korea, the group leaves audiences rapt with their powerful, harmonious voices and stagecraft. […]

Kulawai Press is a name adopted from a rare lorikeet bird last sighted in 1965 in Fiji. Paulini Turagabeci, who owns the publishing company and is a softly-spoken, self-made author, entrepreneur, and now publisher,  talks books, indigenous writers, publishing, and being a mother with Fiji Traveller’s Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti. “I think the publishing industry in Fiji […]

The Pacifique Artisans Collective is Suva’s newest business incubator that “allows an equal playing field for emerging designers and accessory makers,” says Shakira Macdonald. It is located at the Suva Flea Market, a popular space for small businesses since 1995, which has recently undergone a facelift and upgrade. The PAC houses unique clothing lines such […]

By Ariela Zibiah Jason Chute’s collection of #realpacific: Photographs from Oceania pays homage to the Pacific region’s heterogeneity, a storytellers’ treasure trove. Chute captures warmth in his sunsets and seduction in the milky way which rises out of a Red Breach. The stillness of dawn in a dew-covered countryside, the abundance of our ocean, the […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti “I think the Fiji Fringe Festival is a great initiative for artists to bring their ‘A’ game and showcase their talent because we are trying to encourage children that they can have a career in art and can also be their mainstream of income that they can aspire to.” – Soko Loga […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti “I would say every moment behind the equipment is tailor-made because we are creating and mixing live. What happens here may not happen on another night.” – Albert Eastgate The Fiji Fringe Festival will feature not one, but two DJs, who will collaborate to create a mix of music and an original […]

By Ariela Zibiah A political cartoon published in 1977 in Fiji has taken on a rather poignant meaning, as it could’ve been speaking to today’s political impasse. The cartoon depicts Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, whose party had just experienced its first loss after two elections, leaving on a boat (Leadership) and Siddiq Koya, the then […]

We’re all about fun and excitement and that is the spirit we bring to all of our dance performances, says Amit Chand, Director of Masti Arts and Dance Group. Masti (which means ‘fun’ in Hindi) is a dedicated group of creative young dancers who have performed 4000 shows across Fiji, as well as international gigs, […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti “If you think you will come in expecting to be seated, we guarantee you will be burning the dance floor. That’s the promise of VT1S band manager, Tikiko Korocowiri, ahead of the band’s Fiji Fringe Festival show on March 4. VT1S (pronounced Viti Ones), a platform set up by music lable VTBOP […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti “Magic is an art form that can touch every sense; it can be created without language barriers, and I hope that when people see a magic show, they get to really know me and where I come from and become part of the magic of life.” Fiji can expect to see an […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti “We are excited to be witnessing so many different art forms that make up Fiji’s creative industry. We are also looking forward to watching and supporting our fellow artists in the festival and celebrating their unique contributions to our arts industry.” Expect an electric performance at the Fiji Fringe Festival from Fiji’s […]

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 […]

Join us for an afternoon & night of International award-winning short films from USA, South Africa, UK, Japan and more. From Fiji, the festival will showcase recognized local films by up-and-coming Fijian filmmakers, together with films from former winners of the local Kula Film Awards. The event also marks the launch of the country’s Media Learning […]

Fiji Fashion Week 2022 (FJFW22) promises to be a year of fashion with a purpose, as it celebrates its 15th anniversary.

By Rowena Singh “Fiji is a strong part of my existence,” says ghazal and Bollywood singer Kavita Kalyan. Kalyan is Australian born, but with strong family ties that take her back to Fiji, and her extended family in Suva regularly. “Despite living in Australia, I have always identified as being Fijian. Furthermore,  my parents’ heavy […]