Apakuki Nalawa commonly known as Kuki from the band ‘InsideOut’ has turned to his hobby to make ends meet.

Mr Nalawa has ventured out to photography and videography.

He said he is slowly turning his hobby into a full-time job, especially, since the entertainment industry has been hit hard from the impacts of COVID-19.

InsideOut

The band, InsideOut will be six years old this June.

It consists of four longtime friends who all had the same passion for live music, writing original content and performing.

Aside from Mr Nalawa, the band members include Timothy Solomon, Semesa Vilise and Viliame Dautei.

Mr Nalawa said that the band relies on resorts and restaurants for their livelihood.

Since the COVID-19 impacts began, they have had to refund a few bookings and also received cancellations from overseas bookings for incentive groups and weddings.

Their sister company Resonance Entertainment has entertainment contracts with Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Intercontinental Resort. These have been put on hold until further notice.

Most of their live sound, lighting production and live music work is based at the Coral Coast and
Nadi.

Mr Nalawa said: “InsideOut is heavily reliant on the tourism industry.

“Two members of the band live in the west and two in Suva.

“So we haven’t physically been in contact, just through text messages and video calls.

“We’re working with local restaurants and resorts for weekly performances with local specials and rates.”

He added that they were fortunate to have the support of Shangri -La’s Fijian Resort, Intercontinental Resort, Beachhouse, Governor’s Restaurant and the newly opened Kanu Restaurant by Lance Seeto.

Future plans

Meanwhile, they have been working on new content as a group and have been releasing songs on the radio individually as well.

Their main goal for the band is to write, compose and record original music and share it with the world. Plans for venturing out into the region and eventually a bigger market still remain.

Resonance Entertainment has contracts with a few resorts and restaurants around the country. Inside Out provides them with sound, lighting gear, live music and DJ services.

Surviving the pandemic era

At the moment they are using online platforms that have been live-streaming paid platforms.

They get paid subscribers to their channel.

They have also been busy with production work at the studio for corporate advertising jingles.

Mr Nalawa’s message to the music industry is: “We believe this pandemic situation is just a reset and reflection period.

“We will all come back stronger and smarter with new concepts, new ideas and avenues to make our individual and collective lives better.”

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback:  susana.tuilau@fijisun.com.fj