Teacher leaves classroom to follow his music dream

Passion and a deep love for music have driven Vilikesa Sokidi Raikadroka Batikalou to make sacrifices and pursue his dream of becoming a singer.

Originally from Vuisiga, Naitasiri, with maternal links to Tavualevu, Tavua, Mr Batikalou is a member of the Primanavia team.

The Primanavia Choir is an award-winning Pasifika vocal ensemble from Fiji directed by classical vocalist and conductor Sunia Soko Loga.

Before pursuing his passion for music, he worked as a teacher.

Although teaching was an important part of his life, he eventually made the difficult decision to leave his job and follow the passion that had always been in his heart — music and singing.

Mr Batikalou said he discovered his love for singing at a very young age, although he did not realise at the time that he had the ability to sing.

He said it was only after his senior pastor, Apenisa Ralulu, noticed his talent and believed in him that he began to recognise his potential.

Vilikesa Sokidi Raikadroka Batikalou singing with the Primanavia team.

Photo: Supplied

Last year, he took part in Vocal Battle, where he finished as first runner-up. The experience gave him greater confidence to pursue music seriously.

He eventually left his teaching job and joined Primanavia, which he said had become like a family to him under the leadership of Sunia Soko Loga.

Like many aspiring musicians, Mr Batikalou dreams of performing on bigger stages locally, regionally and internationally.

He said music had given him an opportunity to stand proudly as a Fijian and an iTaukei and showcase his identity.

“Whether it is through Fijian vucu, a chat, a song or a meke, I feel a sense of boldness and pride when I am able to declare my identity and share our culture with other parts of the world. For me, music is not only about entertainment; it is also a way of telling our story, celebrating our identity and showing the world the beauty of who we are.”

Mr Batikalou said taking part in the Pacifika Communities University last week as part of the Primanavia team was a memorable experience.

“I am very grateful to our Director and Assistant for giving us the platform to stand, sing and perform, but most importantly, to connect with and touch the grassroots. Being given the opportunity to stand on that platform gave us hope and reminded us that there is still light and potential among our young people.”

One of the biggest challenges he has faced throughout his journey has been questioning his own decisions.

“When those dreams are ignored for too long, our talents can become unused,” he said.

His message to young people who share his dreams and face challenges similar to those he has experienced is to follow their hearts, believe in their God-given talents, be patient and be willing to make sacrifices along the way.

“Never be afraid to stand proudly in who you are, because your identity, your story and your talent may be the very things that inspire someone else to believe in their own dream.”