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FIJI and friends’ concert a big hit on Saipan
The FIJI Live on Saipan concert was a big hit as the main event—George “FIJI” Veikoso himself—took the stage to thousands of screaming fans last Saturday, April 18, at the Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan beachside.
His vocal range of base and falsetto shone throughout the night, with fans going crazy over every major hits he performed. His musical blends of reggae, hip-hop, rhythm and blues, and jazz made the crowd feel right at home.
Long-time artist George “FIJI” Veikoso signs a ukulele for a young fan at Naked Fish last Friday. (Contributed Photo)
Kolohe Kai lead singer Roman De Peralta, right, signs autographs for fans at last week’s press conference before their concert at Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan on Saturday. (Thomas A. Manglona II)
Kolohe Kai—a local Hawaii reggae band—was a big hit as well. Popular among CNMI residents back in 2009, fans were greeted with memories of listening to the band’s music when they hit the stage.
Popular songs such as This is the Life, Cool Down, and Ehu Girl got the crowd singing while Kolohe Kai’s lead singer and songwriter, Roman De Peralta, held his microphone in the air and sang along with the audience.
DJ Hapa Boy (Taylor Tadani), who is also from Hawaii, livened up the crowd during intermissions with his sick beats, while Nakii Ninja, a female artist and vocalist who is half-Chamorro, rocked the crowd with her island-style music.
Siaosi Taulani Jr. and Kiwini Vaitai’s hip-hop and island-style rhythms were popular among fans as well.
Nola K. Hix, concert promotions coordinator, said that the success of the “Jboog Live on Saipan” concert series last Jan. 10 by Steven Brownstein made the second concert possible.
In a short interview with Saipan Tribune, Brownstein said he is looking forward to making another concert possible.
“On behalf of Steven Brownstein Entertainment we’d like to thank our platinum sponsors Mega Stars/Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino, Alter City Group, and Best Sunshine along with our major sponsors KZMI FM, and Priority Care Services. We’d also like to give a special thank you to MARPAC Distributors/Ambros Guam for their platinum sponsorship in support of the show [in] Guam next weekend,” Hix said.
The concert started at 6:30pm with several of the islands’ local bands and musicians performing. It ended at 11:30pm with a fireworks display.
