It’s with heavy hearts we share that Pacific reggae star George “Fiji” Veikoso passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. He was just 55 years old.
Fiji died quietly at home in Fiji, surrounded by loved ones—his wife, children, and close family—holding hands and embracing him as he left.
Singer George Fiji Veikoso Cause of Death: How He Dies
Though details remain private, reliable reports suggest his passing was sudden. Broadcasts from CBS’s affiliate KGMB‑TV confirmed he died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.
While official medical statements haven’t been released yet, the context and timing suggest a natural cause—most likely a heart-related event or stroke.
Local press noted that he had “ongoing health challenges” in recent years and had even performed from a wheelchair at last year's Homecoming Fiji festival.
The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation simply stated, “Details around his passing have not been confirmed.
His sudden departure underscores the fragility of life, even for those who seem larger than it.
Early Life & What Launched His Career
Born on May 10, 1970, in Tailevu, Fiji, George grew up singing gospel tunes in church. It was cheap entertainment—at his first paid gig, he pulled in only five bucks—but man, did that spark something in him.
At 17, he left Fiji after the 1987 coup and moved to Hawaii. That shift was a turning point. Hawaii fueled his musical journey—he started smooth, mixing reggae, R&B, ska, jazz, and island rhythms into a sound no one had heard before.
By 1994, he dropped his debut album Evolution, and a couple years later, Born & Raised put him on the map, with chart-topping success. It was here he honed his iconic island-reggae vibe.
Career Highlights & Achievements
Fiji’s career was dotted with major milestones:
- Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (1998): Took home Male Vocalist of the Year and Favorite Entertainer.
- Grammy Nod: His work on Island Warriors earned a Best Reggae Album nomination.
- Pacific Music Awards (2014): Crowned Best Pacific International Artist.
- Lifetime Achievement (2021): A Pacific Music Awards honor for his legacy in Polynesian reggae.
He also co‑wrote the theme for Baywatch: Hawaii and made a cameo in the surf flick Blue Crush (2002). That soundtrack voice? Yeah, you heard that and didn't even know it!
Plus, his music resonated with global audiences—albums like Evolution, Born & Raised, and later Love & Roots racked up over 500 million streams. Not too shabby for a church‑singing kid from Fiji!
His Music Style & Influence
Fiji carved out a vibe that was pure island soul. Picture this: reggae bass meets soulful vocals, sprinkled with Fijian drums and cultural storytelling.
His live shows were theatrical—complete with indigenous dancers, traditional drumming, and visuals that made you feel like you were right in the Pacific.
He was more than an artist—he was a mentor. Hawaiian acts credited him for backing emerging talent, artists like Kimie Miner, who said his passing felt like losing a brother.
Damon Elliott, a Grammy‑nominated producer, called Fiji his “best friend and big brother.”
Fans nicknamed him the “G.O.A.T of island reggae”—a legend whose lyrics spoke hope, truth, and unity. He didn’t just make music—he told stories woven into the fabric of Pacific life.
Family: Wife & Children
Fiji is survived by his beloved wife and three children (two teens and a younger one—exact ages haven’t been released). He was proud of them; often during live events he’d put everything down to spend quality time at home, juggling tour life and fatherhood like a champ.
While he loved being on stage, he loved being “Dad” more. The family’s grief is palpable—they were with him in his final moments, holding hands, shedding tears, and cherishing every last breath.
Net Worth & Financial Snapshot
Though Fiji never chased million-dollar contracts, his career success painted a pretty solid financial picture:
- Revenue from streaming (500M+ plays) = modest royalties
- Albums, tours, and festivals (including Homecoming Fiji) = strong income
- Media gigs, like Baywatch: Hawaii and Blue Crush, added extra boost
- His Fiji Homecoming concerts (2023 & planned 2025) pulled in about FJD 1 million for local Fijian economy
Legacy: Career & Recognition
Discography Milestones
From Evolution (1994) to Love & Roots (2023), his music helped shape Polynesian reggae.
Streaming Reach
Half a billion streams shows enduring popularity, not a flash-in-the-pan.
Awards & Honors
Hoku Awards, Grammy nods, Pacific music accolades, lifetime honors—he checked every box.
Mentor & Cultural Icon
He boosted emerging artists, built bridges between Fiji and Hawaii, and gave indigenous culture a global voice.
Homecoming Fiji Festivals
He launched and returned home with massive festivals in 2023—and was gearing up to do it again in September 2025.
Tributes already flood from leaders, fellow musicians, and fans calling him a “beautiful soul”, a “pillar of island music”, and a "voice for the people."
In Closing
George “Fiji” Veikoso had a magical way of turning gospel-rooted beginnings into genre-bending reggae that moved both body and spirit.
He stood tall as an artist, mentor, husband, father, and Pacific icon. Though he’s gone too soon—leaving behind an unfinished 2025 Homecoming in September—his melodies and messages will echo for generations.
Fiji’s life story? It’s a reminder that humble beginnings can bloom into global impact when passion, culture, and heart lead the way.
Even as Canadians, Hawaiians, New Zealanders, and Fijians shed tears today, they’re also dancing to his beat, carrying his legacy like a warm island breeze.
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