HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A renowned Fijian-Hawaii recording artist highly regarded in the Hawaii music industry has died.
George Brooks Veikoso, widely known Fiji, died Wednesday in his home nation of Fiji, surrounded by family. He was 55 years old.
Veikoso was embraced by the Hawaii music industry as a top singer, songwriter, recording artist, producer, and mentor in the contemporary Hawaiian and reggae music genre.
Born on May 10, 1970, Veikoso grew up singing in church and moved to Hawaii in 1987.
He released his first album, Evolution, in 1994, and enjoyed success with hit songs “Lia,” “Symphony of Love,” “Nasty,” and “Good Thing.”
But in 1996, his Born & Raised album topped the charts, elevating him to star status.
Fiji headlined annual Birthday Bash concerts along with Kapena, and performed across the Pacific and along the West Coast.
His sets were theatrical and cultural, often featuring indigenous dancers and traditional Fijian drummers that brought crowds to their feet.
In 1998, he received Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for Male Vocalist and Favorite Entertainer of the Year.
In 2014, he won the Best Pacific International Artist Award at the Pacific Music Awards. And in 2021, he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Polynesian reggae stream.
He hosted a two-day concert, “FIJI HOMECOMING,” in Fiji last year that included Hawaii artists J Boog, Josh Tatofi and Maoli and drew thousands of fans.
Kimie Miner said learning of Veikoso’s passing “really devastated” her.
“(His passing) really hurt me because it just felt like I couldn’t call on my mentor anymore, and he’s not there anymore,” she said. “It made me so sad to know that he’s gone, but his legacy is so big that I know his legacy will carry on forever.”
Miner added that Veikoso was a mentor to the artists of her generation.
“He’s so special and he’s so loved by all of the artists of my generation, who loved him and cared about him and who he cared for… he was a mentor for all of us,” she said.
Kelly Delima said he and Veikoso called each other brothers.
“In Fijian, brother means Boso, so I would always tell them I love you boso,” Delima said. “He would always call me Big Brother, he said. I love you, big brother.”
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