KKU returns to rock Uprising Music Festival stage

The island grooves of Kula Kei Uluivuya (KKU) are heading back to Pacific Harbour as the popular Fijian band prepares for its long-awaited return to the FMF Uprising Music Festival 2026.

Led by multi-award-winning musician Viliame Cokanauto, the Taveuni-born group will take the stage at Uprising Beach Resort on Saturday, November 14, bringing its signature blend of traditional iTaukei sounds, reggae, R&B and contemporary Pacific music.

It has been years since KKU last performed at the Uprising festival, making this year's appearance a significant return for the band and its supporters.

Bringing back the island groove

For fans of Fijian music, KKU's return brings memories of the band's rise to prominence and the songs that helped establish its following.

The group gained national attention with the release of its hit Tagimoucia in 2013.

Since then, KKU has developed a musical identity that blends traditional iTaukei influences with modern island rhythms.

From reggae and R&B to contemporary Pacific grooves, the band's music reflects a combination of cultural influences and modern sounds.

Its approach has helped KKU connect with listeners across generations.

Now, those familiar sounds are set to return to the beachfront stage at Pacific Harbour.

A performance to look forward to

KKU's appearance will be part of the FMF Uprising Music Festival's programme of local and regional live entertainment.

The festival will feature upgraded sound, lighting and LED production, providing a larger production setting for participating artists.

For longtime supporters, the performance offers another opportunity to experience the band's music live.

For younger festivalgoers discovering KKU, it will be a chance to hear the sounds that helped establish the group's place in Fiji's contemporary music scene.

The return also gives Cokanauto and his band an opportunity to reconnect with the Uprising audience after several years away.

Music by the sea

Set against the beachfront surroundings of Uprising Beach Resort, the festival will bring together different musical styles for an afternoon and evening of entertainment.

KKU's blend of traditional and contemporary sounds is expected to add a distinctly Fijian flavour to the event.

And with the band returning after a lengthy absence, its performance is shaping up to be one of the festival's notable attractions.

The FMF Uprising Music Festival 2026 will be held at Uprising Beach Resort in Pacific Harbour on Saturday, November 14.

For KKU, it is a return to a familiar stage. For fans, it is another chance to celebrate the island grooves that made the band a favourite.