George “Fiji” Veikoso passes away at 55; Kimie Miner, Kelly Delima mourn the demise of the music icon

George Brooks Veikoso, better known to fans across the Pacific as Fiji, a legendary Fijian-Hawaiian recording artist and pioneer of Polynesian reggae, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 55. He breathed his last at his home, surrounded by family.

A beloved figure in Hawaii’s music scene, Veikoso was celebrated not just for his unmistakable voice but also for his deep commitment to the culture and people he represented. A gifted singer, songwriter, producer, and mentor, he played a vital role in shaping the sound of contemporary Hawaiian and island reggae music.

The news of his passing has left a deep void in the music community. Artist Kimie Miner expressed her heartbreak as she took to her social media handle. “His passing really devastated me. It really hurt because I felt like I couldn’t call on my mentor anymore… but his legacy is so big, I know it will carry on forever," she captioned.

Miner further added, “He’s so special and so loved by all of the artists of my generation. He was a mentor to all of us.”

Longtime friend and fellow artist Kelly Delima shared a personal memory: “In Fijian, brother means boso, so I would always say, ‘I love you, boso.’ He would call me Big Brother and say, ‘I love you, Big Brother.’”

George “Fiji” Veikoso, born on May 10, 1970, began his musical journey in church choirs before moving to Hawaii in 1987—a move that would shape his legacy. By 1994, his debut album Evolution introduced his soulful voice to the world, followed by hits like 'Lia,' ;Symphony of Love; 'Nasty'and 'Good Thing.' But it was his 1996 breakout album Born & Raised that turned him into an island music icon.