The Savusavu Mini-Music Festival brought together the local community tourists and other visitors at the Koro Sun Resort and Rainforest Spa outside of Savusavu Town.
The two-day event, which started last Thursday, brought together superb and live entertainment from various renowned local artists.
Conveniently scheduled in conjunction with the United States traditional Thanksgiving Day on November 26 the intention was as a thanksgiving for all.
Resort co-general manager and event co-ordinator Josaia Rayawa said, “It is our intention to make this an annual feature on our calendar, with different artists and possibly some artists from overseas to make it truly international event.”
Vude Queen Laisa Vulakoro, who returned recently from a successful stint in Papua New Guinea, put on a lively fusion of traditional Fijian music and contemporary sound which no doubt introduced tourists who were present to the range of music that exists in the local scene.
Ms Vulakoro, who brought a unique blend of Fiji traditional music, R&B, Jazz and rock, hails from the island of Yacata in the province of Cakaudrove, not too far from Savusavu.
The event experienced a lot of musicians who make up the Vude Vibes Band and a list of ware owned artists with the likes of Fijian Virtuoso, Tom Mawi, often compared to Jazz greats such as Wes Montgomery and George Benson.
The veteran guitarist was once acknowledged as one of the top 10 Jazz guitarists in the world by his own peers.
Also part of the event was Savuto Vakadewavosa, one of Fiji’s highly-rated artists whose music appealed to all age-groups.
In keeping with the idea of developing young talents, young Jed Taylor, winner of the 2015 Kaila Star Search, also took part in the fete.
The Accalewas, one of Fiji’s up and coming all-female Fijian accapella vocal group made up of five amazing female vocalists and dancers, wowed the audience with their voices and moves combining their songs with contemporary dances.
Giving a local touch to this Savusavu’s very own local musical talents and cultural dance groups in the neighbouring villages also added a special touch to this mini-festival.
The organisers also added a special component to the festival with the display of community-made Fijian arts and craft in partnership with local non-governmental organisation ‘Rise Beyond the Reef Bridges.’
The joint partnership is to help raise gender awareness and gender appreciation in Vanua Levu.
Mr Rayawa added: “Part of the music initiative is to also engage the musicians to participate in a lunch-time concert in Savusavu Town and we will work closely with Savusavu Town Council, Savusavu Tourism Association and Patterson Brothers Shipping to highlight the cause in Vanua Levu.
“The proceeds raised from the mini-festival will go towards the cause for women through the NGO Rise Beyond The Reef Bridges.”