His four nominations in this year’s Fiji Performing Rights Association Music Awards has come as a shock to Andrew Bolakoro.

Better known by his stage name, DRIXSTAR is one of the most “Poppin” (a slang youths use) and creative artist right now in the local music scene.

“It feels weird, I really wasn’t expecting to be nominated, but I’m very much humbled and thankful for the privilege,” said the 25- year -old Lau native.

Drixstar grew up in Vatuwaqa, Suva with his parents and is the second eldest of five siblings.

Growing up, artist like Eminem and Damian “Junior Gong” Marley’s music style caught his attention even though he loved all genres.

His love for music was influenced by his mum’s family, Drixstar is the grandson of legendary composer, the late Eremasi Tamanisau Snr.

“Listening to old album records my aunt would play when I was a kid or just chilling and listen to jam sessions my family would have during family gatherings sparked my passion.”

Some of his songs that have become a major hit are: Lasutaka, Cava TikoMada, Bus Ride, Feeling Ok, Va Difficulty, and Dongs.

His single “Sau Tiko Viti” and “Pauta “are both nominated at the music awards.

“I’ve been writing since 2009 and most of the songs I’ve done or worked on has been underground stuff. They went viral I guess due to the content of the songs because it’s funny and people could relate to it.”

The former radio personality’s first popular song was passed around via Bluetooth, USB and in buses. He took a break from music in 2011 and went back to song writing in 2014.

“I’ve featured with artists, like Wilo, Thunda, DieFar, Matty Boy (BooMBoxX DJ), Faith, Skillz, RedCat, (Stee) Cracker and Natalie Raikadroka,” he said.

The Christian Mission Fellowship Youth Conference, battle zones, Vou Hip Hop Concert, WestCoast Invasion, and various home grown concerts are events his performed in.

“My greatest inspiration is God, my family and the kids are the biggest fans, which is why I try and keep my lyrics clean.”

Drixstar’s advice to artists out there is to be inspired and be original, so when people hear your music you’re creating something that won’t let them relate you to another artist.

As for future projects he would love to work with Dave Lavaki (Mr Grin) and Savuto, he’s trying to get back into writing for Spoken Word Poetry and has plans to record poems as well..