A number of NRL stars have paid tribute to esteemed singer George Veikoso, who has died at his home in Suva, Fiji.
Veikoso, 55, is widely known as the ‘King of Island Reggae’, with his musical influence and stirring voice resulting in global admiration.
The likes of Spencer Leniu, Jamayne Isaako, Kodi Nikorima, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Viliame Kikau all posted separate Instagram stories once Veikoso’s death was confirmed.
Bulldogs second-rower Kikau labelled the performer the ‘greatest of all time’, which was echoed by Leniu, who is a Samoan international.
Former NRL star Eloni Vunakece recalled once crossing paths with Veikoso in his native Fiji, and said the memorable experience will always be etched in his mind.
‘They say you should never meet your heroes. But if you were lucky enough to meet George, you felt the love that emanates through his music [and] in one of his big warm hugs,’ he said.
A number of NRL stars have paid tribute to esteemed singer George Veikoso, (pictured) who has died at his home in Suva, Fiji
Bulldogs second-rower Viliame Kikau labelled the performer the ‘greatest of all time’ on Instagram
Roosters enforcer Spencer Leniu posted a similar tribute on social media on Thursday
Fiji Drua’s Super Rugby team also paid their respects to Veikoso (pictured, second from left)
Veikoso’s death was announced by the Polynesian News Network, who said in a statement: ‘He was a movement, a voice for the people, a light in the dark. His music wasn’t just something we listened to.’
Numerous fans took to social media to pay tribute to Veikoso, who was affectionately known as ‘Fiji.’
‘Man this one is tough. RIP George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso. Thank you for blessing the world with your voice and your music. One of the most talented Polynesian artists to ever do it. Your sound, your soul, your legacy will live on,’ one posted.
Another added: ‘George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso has passed on. A true son of Fiji. Your melodies will always remain a timeless echo of your passion, your talent and the beauty you shared with the world. You will never be forgotten.’
A third posted: ‘Wow so young, thoughts and prayers to his family. ‘Rest in peace to the king of Polynesian music.’
Born in 1970, Veikoso grew up singing in church and moved to Hawaii in 1987.
He released his first album, Evolution, in 1994 while his second, Born & Raised, topped the charts in 1996.
The musician co-wrote the theme tune for Baywatch Hawaii – which starred Jason Mamoa – and was filmed between 1999 and 2001.
Former NRL star Eloni Vunakece recalled crossing paths with Veikoso (pictured, right) in Fiji, and said the memorable experience will always be etched in his mind
The musician co-wrote the theme tune for Baywatch Hawaii which was filmed on the island between 1999 and 2001
In 2021, Veikoso received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Polynesian reggae stream
Veikoso also tried his hand at acting, appearing in the 2002 surfer film Blue Crush alongside Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez.
In 2021, Veikoso received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Polynesian reggae stream.
Health issues affected Veikoso’s life in recent years, and at times he performed from a wheelchair.
Laisa Vulakoro, Chair of Fiji Performing Rights Association, stated: ‘He’s the biggest artist that ever came out of Fiji and the Pacific. He took Fiji music to another level.’
Polynesian Music Network labelled Veikoso a ‘pillar of island music’ and a ‘storyteller who carried the weight of our stories, our culture and our emotions.’