Isireli Mainavukea, better known by his stage name Tua, has made a name for himself in the local music scene.

Originally from Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu, the 24-year-old always had the passion to do music since high school and was singing in church growing up.

In 2014, he released his first single called Bad News, and a cover version of Talei Veiyau featuring local artists Savuto and Lesaa.

“I went to watch my first concert in 2008 and saw Savuto Vakadewavosa, Ilisavani Cava and Paulini Curunavuli and I just knew that I wanted to do music,” said the eldest of seven siblings.

In 2011 he auditioned for a talent show and two years later he entered the Vodafone MIC competition where he was one of the top three finalists.

Mr Mainavukea has been in the industry for five years under the umbrella of Hope Fiji, a network of enthusiastic local artists who come together for the sake of mentoring and supporting each other in the industry.

His current single ‘We Live’, which features musician Lesaa, is now hitting the local airwaves. The music video featured on the television music show, Groove Thang.

His goal is to release his first album this year.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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