Close to 25 local musicians enjoy their full-time jobs thanks to a locally-owned management company, Resonance Entertainment.

With tourism back on the market, a weekly schedule for the group of artists keeps them occupied, singing over 40 songs per gig.

“They sing their hearts out knowing we pay for their retirement savings,” said Resonance director, Apakuki Nalawa.

Resonance registered as a business in 2017, to provide a steady income platform for aspiring artists.

“We coach them to perform their best,” Mr Nalawa said.

“We know what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet, wondering where your next pay will come from.”

Mr Nalawa, known as Kuki on stage, is an established musician having spent 12 years in the industry.

Two five-star hotels, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, and Shangri-La Yanuca Island, have contracted the company to perform live music shows for guests daily.

“We manage them and spend more time practicing to ensure the music is fresh because performing everyday can be tiring,” Mr Nalawa said.

The bigger dream for Resonance is to become a one-stop entertainment shop.

“We have the artists, we have the gear to cater for multiple setups at a time,” Mr Nalawa said.

“We have the music studio for it.

“We’re writing original content for artists, and we market it through our media consisting of photographers and videographers.”

Like the old days, the tourism sector has heavily backed local musicians.

“We’re looking into setting up our music academy where we target school leavers,” Mr Nalawa said.

 Challenges

“We built up this company and its assets from entertainment week in, week out,” Mr Nalawa said.

“We’ve never taken any loans or capital or anything like that.

“I know cash flow is a problem. Discipline is needed in managing funds.”

The company hopes to secure more contracts to grow the business.

Story By:  Josefa Babitu

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