Tribute classics

Samuela Kailawakodo, Nadi

Watching composer Ilisapeci Tamani during the Tribute Classics on Fiji One show at the Grand Pacific Hotel, I discovered that one of the famous song she composed “Yalo e veiciriyaki” was her daughter, Mateaki, and not Matiavi as being sung now.

The song was very much alive and her story during the show was very emotional and inspirational. The late master Eremasi Tamanisau [SNR], Ratu Tevita Naulivou, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba were introduced to the world of contemporary composition and my mind was completely blown away.

I realised there are living iTaukei composers dotted all over this small nation writing for a polyphony of mediums and contexts, and they all had weird, wonderful, beautiful, energised and important things to contribute to our cultural landscape.

The famous farewell song, ‘Isa Lei’ composed by the late Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, was certain to arouse emotion. The event was fitting – we should continue to celebrate them.

Circumcision

Rajesh Lal, Lautoka

Why do Christians still do circumcision when the word of God is very clear in Galatians 5:2-3 “Indeed I Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing”. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.

It is time that church leaders should come out of their comfort zone and preach the truth to their members. Mark 7:13 says “the traditions of man makes the Word of God of no value”.

God is a God of love but at the same time He is also the God of order.

Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand bondage Christians.

RIP Coach Rasiga

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

It is sad to read that Red Rock rugby 7s club founder and head coach, Lote Rasiga, has died and was laid to rest in Suva on Friday (FS 26/11).

I do not know him personally, but I have always admired the man because to me, he was like a Good Samaritan and a father who opened his home to orphans and street kids and used his kindness and talents to try and mold those in his care.

It now makes sense after reading that he was not only a gifted 7s coach with a big heart, he was also a senior pastor of the New Methodist Christian Fellowship.

I believe that what makes coach Rasiga and his 7s players different and great is that while people in Suva are busy working, he and his unemployed team members are busy training at Albert Park grounds, in the heat of the day.

Red Rock is one of the fittest teams in the 7s competition and any cash prizes won is shared among the team members.

The following big names were under his care: Crusaders winger Jone Macilai, Olympic Games gold medallist Jasa Veremalua, Sireli Bobo (now playing in France), Niumaia Cakacaka, Aporosa Daunivucu, Suli Wainivanua, Timoci Matanavou (now playing for Toulouse), Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Jone Vota, Peni Daunimeke, Ponipate Kato, Manasa Bola, Sirilo Dasi, Manoa Qerea, Luke Waikamakama (playing in the US), Venasio Komai (now coaching in Dubai), Eroni Sau, Roger Qoro, and the list goes on.

Rest in peace brother Lote Rasiga and I pray that more coaches will continue your legacy, in taking in young, unemployed rugby players and help them make a living through it.