The search for Fiji’s next amazing voice has begun following the launch of the second season of the Australian High Commission’s Domo Vou Talei original music competition yesterday.
Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires in Fiji, Stuart Watts, said the outstanding performances and eclectic range of music that came out of the competition last year is a testament to the immense talent that Fijians have.
“The Australian High Commission is proud to support a platform that showcases that talent to a wider audience in Australia and the Pacific,” said Watts.
He added that the Competition offers undiscovered artists and composers cash prizes, exposure, coaching by Fiji’s leading industry specialists and an opportunity to kick-start their careers in the performing arts industry.
The High Commission in partnership with major sponsor Westpac and other sponsors is calling on music enthusiasts to submit their original music for the competition which kick started yesterday and will be open for three weeks.
10 finalists will be announced on 31 August 2023, after which they will undergo coaching, lyric development and performance training through the support of Fijian Classical Vocalist Soko Loga, Hip Hop protégé Mr Grin (Dave Lavaki) and supported by Natalie Raikadroka of Tiny Sounds.
Then they head into the studio under the guidance of sound engineer Phil Dakei, and work with CFL’s Magic Factory and Firstfighter to produce high quality music videos. These videos will be featured on Fiji Times Facebook page where the public will be encouraged to vote for the winner of the People’s Choice.
At the Uprising Music Festival on 7 October, the 10 Finalists will perform their original songs before a panel of judges and the prize winners will be announced.
This year, an additional award will be given for Best Performance and the winner will also be determined by the judges based on their overall final performance.
To support the development of artists in the competition, the organisers have acquired technical knowledge and expertise of the Fiji Performing Rights Association (FIPRA), Fijian classical vocalist Sunia Soko Loga, Hip Hop protégé Mr Grin (Dave Lavaki), Makare band member and sound engineer Phil Dakei and 2023 Triple FIPRA Music Awards winner Natalie Raikadroka.
In 2022, Domo Vou Talei launched the music careers of artists like rapper Ju Ben and rising Fijian singer Jay Tauleka.
