George “Fiji” Veikoso, one of the most cherished voices in Pacific Island music, has died at the age of 55.
He passed away on July 23, 2025, in his home country of Fiji, surrounded by family. The cause of death has not been made public.
Born on May 10, 1970, in Tailevu, Fiji, Veikoso grew up singing in church and moved to Hawaii in 1987. He began his music career with the band Rootstrata and credited his uncles—musician Isireli Racule and jazz legend Sakiusa Bulicokocoko—for guiding his early path.
Known for his smooth vocals and honest lyrics, Veikoso blended reggae, soul, and island sounds, becoming a constant presence in both Fijian and Hawaiian music circles.
He is survived by a large extended family, including his father, children, and siblings, along with generations of fans who embraced his voice as part of their lives.
George “Fiji” Veikoso’s Legacy
After relocating to Hawaii in 1987, the singer Fiji helped define what became known as the “Lost Coast Sound,” blending reggae with soul and traditional Pacific influences.
His career took off in the early 1990s, leading to the release of his debut album Evolution in 1994. Songs like “Lia,” “Symphony of Love,” “Nasty,” and “Good Thing” earned him real acclaim across the islands.
In 1996, Born & Raised became the breakthrough that pushed him to the top and made him a household name in Hawaiian music.
He soon began headlining major shows like the annual Birthday Bash concerts with Kapena, performing to packed crowds and often sharing the stage with traditional Hawaiian dancers. His tours took him across the Pacific and up the West Coast, where audiences welcomed both his sound and his roots.
Fiji also left his mark on pop culture. He co-wrote and performed “Let Me Be the One,” the theme song for Baywatch Hawaii—the version of the show filmed in the islands from 1999 to 2001 and featuring a young Jason Momoa.
A year later, the musician made a brief appearance in the 2002 surf drama Blue Crush, sharing the screen with Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez.
Throughout the 2000s, Fiji continued to release music and collaborate widely. He earned a Grammy nomination for his work on the Island Warriors compilation, and by 2023, his songs had been streamed over 500 million times.
View this post on Instagram
In September 2024, Veikoso returned home for a two-day event, Homecoming Fiji, held at King Charles Park in Nadi. Sharing the stage with artists like J Boog, Maoli, and Josh Tatofi, the concert drew thousands and reportedly brought FJD$1,000,000 into the local economy.
After news of his passing, tributes poured in from friends, fellow artists, and fans. Kimie Miner, who described Fiji as a mentor to her generation. “It hurt me because it felt like I couldn’t call on my mentor anymore,” the Singer and musician said. “He’s so loved by all of the artists of my generation. He cared for us, and we cared for him.
Was He Ever Married? Details on His Children
It’s unclear whether George “Fiji” Veikoso was married at the time of his death. His relationship status was never publicly discussed in detail, and his Facebook profile listed him as single.
What is known is that Veikoso had two daughters: Adi Viniana and Arieta. Arieta, his firstborn, was born in April 1997.
View this post on Instagram
In a 2016 Facebook post celebrating a family matriarch’s birthday, he shared that he had named his daughter in her honor. Alongside a photo of several women in his family, he wrote, “Second from the right, she is our matriarch, the leader of our family. I named my first daughter after her — Adi Arieta Lutunauca Veikoso Stevens. We love you, Nau. Have a wonderful birthday. #veikosofamily #buretu #tailevu #noleqa.”
His Other Family Members
Although George Veikoso was born and raised in Fiji, his roots trace back to the Ulukālala chiefly line of Vava’u, Tonga.
His father, Ratu Tawake Nawaqasara Baravilala, is still living, while his mother, Adi Viniana Seaseacagi Veikoso, has passed away.
He had two sisters known publicly—Bernice “Bnice” and Bernz Talanoa. Bernz currently lives in California.
George came from a big, close-knit family. If you ever browsed through his social media, you’d see just how many relatives were part of his everyday life—nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who meant the world to him.
