Iconic Island Reggae Singer’s Death at 55 Confirmed by Family originally appeared on Parade.
The voice behind “Lia,” “Nasty,” and the Baywatch: Hawaii theme song didn’t just make music. He built a sound, mentored a generation, and gave the Pacific a voice on the global stage. On Wednesday, July 23, George “Fiji” Veikoso died. He was 55.
According to ABC Pacific—and reportedly confirmed by broadcasts from Hawaii’s CBS affiliate KGMB‑TV—the singer’s family says he died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.
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Later that day, Polynesian Music shared a statement on Instagram calling him “the Greatest of All Time” and “a voice for the people, a light in the dark.” They added, “There is a Fiji song in every playlist. He was the artist the entire household listened to.”
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A post shared by Polynesian Music Network+ (@polynesianmusic)
Fans flooded the comments with tributes.
“The GOAT of Island Reggae. Rest in Peace legend George Veikoso. Your music will play on forever,” one person wrote.
“Thank you, Fiji, for the memories, the tears, the love, and the island pride,” another said.
REST IN PARADISE FIJI 💔🕊️
I grew up on your music, every lyric, every melody felt like home. You made us proud to be Polynesian and gave us something to hold onto. Thank you for everything!! You’ll live forever in our hearts and playlists. #RIPFiji #FijiForever #Legend 🎤 pic.twitter.com/DbbxLlcTTP— Kase Tukutau (@t_ka5e) July 24, 2025
“It’s hard to put into words the impact you had on Pacific music and culture ‘Fiji’, but one thing is certain – your music will forever be a part of us, King and Father of Pacific Reggea. Rest in Love,” chimed in a third.
“Such an ICONIC Artist. His songs, and collaborations with others always hit the spot ‘island vibe’ wise. Amazing man and ‘master at his kraft’ So many gr8 songs,” someone else added.
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Over his three-decade career, Veikoso earned multiple Na Hōkū Hanohano Awards, was named Best Pacific International Artist in 2014, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 for his contributions to Polynesian reggae.
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A post shared by Fiji The Artist (@f1j1)
While Veikoso’s family has not disclosed a cause of death, multiple reports confirmed he had been living with health issues in recent years. He performed in a wheelchair during his 2024 Homecoming concert—a sold-out, multi-artist music festival held in Nadi, Fiji—and was known to be battling gout, a form of arthritis that affected his mobility.
Despite his condition, he continued performing and was actively preparing for Homecoming 2 scheduled for later this year.
Iconic Island Reggae Singer’s Death at 55 Confirmed by Family first appeared on Parade on Jul 24, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
