He came out with his first hit single, “Muju Cola” in 2012 and has become one of the rising stars in the local music scene.

VilimaeNavoka, 24, better known by his stage name Vly is originally from Sinuvaca Village in Koro, Lomaiviti but was legally adopted and raised in Rukurukulevu Village in Cuvu, Nadroga.

He moved to Australia and later returned. Vly attended Dudley High School in Suva before furthering his studies at the Fiji National University. He has three siblings.

“As a little kid growing up, I would listen to music with my mum’s younger sister and we would play her new albums of Celine Dion and Jennifer Lopez,” Vly said.

He said they would play the CD, record it onto a cassette so they could play and pause the cassette to allow them to write the lyrics down on their song books.

“We would replay the song so we’d sing along with the words from our songbooks and my love for music birthed then.”

Vly joined a local talent contest in 2011 and got disqualified during the first round of competition for wearing flip flops while performing on stage.

“It was after that moment where I gained my confidence and also surrounding myself with people of common goals.

“That allowed me to co-write and record my first single “Muju Cola” and the rest is history.”

He released his second single “Mositi Au” and “Amelia” and to date he’s still in awe of how his songs have done locally.

In 2015, Vly won the Best Music Video for “Mositi Au” at the Fiji Performing Rights Association’s Music Awards Night.

His featured with local artist, Lesaa and Solomon Island artist, Young Davie and has done supporting vocals on tracks for Savuto on his EP Album.

Vly has performed at events such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, local festivals such as the Vodafone Hibiscus Festival, and Island Vibes Homegrown concert in Nadi amongst others.

“I’ve travelled numerous times to Australia to perform at Fiji Day celebrations and also recently for the Sydney 7s after parties,
Over the years, Vly has learnt that he cannot please everyone and there will always be someone out there who will criticise the art.

“I’ve learned to grow a thick skin and make sure that I don’t allow these people and their insecurities tear me and my art down.”

Another challenge that artists face is piracy where people don’t buy the original CDs but rather just download it off the internet.

Music is a hobby for him as he’s focused on his own business.”

VLY Entertainment, specialising in online marketing, consultancy, events management, public relations and entertainment.

“I am actually just making music for the fun and pleasure of it and I find satisfaction in putting a smile on someone’s face through my art,” he said.

If he can accomplish that then his good for life, his long term plan is to become a mogul like his idol Rihanna, the Fijian version that is.

Vly is currently in the studio working on new music and genres that he has never tapped into and writing songs and will be releasing something soon.

His greatest inspirations is his family and friends, his advice to other upcoming artist’s out there is to go for it and knock on any door that comes your way.

“Stay focused on the goal and keep trying, being genuine to who you really are because that will take you to extreme heights you will never imagine,” he said.

He said most importantly it will keep you longer in this industry as your supporters will always connect to you if you’re genuine and not fake.
You can check out more information on his official VlyNavoka Facebook page for more information.