Fiji music legend farewell
Tuesday September 04, 2007

More than a thousand people crowded Sukuna Park in Suva today to pay their last respects to music legend Sakiusa Bulicokocoko at a special memorial service.

Tears flowed freely as fellow musicians, music producers and members of the interim government gave their eulogies.

Local musician Seru Serevi also sang a tribute to Bulicokocoko with his song ‘moce mada’ which was specially written for the man from Nakorolevu, Namara in Tailevu.

People were also given the opportunity to see for the last time a man, who according to Serevi ‘will be irreplaceable’ in the music industry.

“We must never forget him and also remember him as a legend because he brought new dimension to the music industry in Fiji and all over the world.”

Bulicokocoko’s casket will be taken to his village today where it will spend the night before burial tomorrow.

A number of speakers including Communications Fiji Limited boss William Parkinson, South Pacific Recording’s Ravindra Patel, Procera Music's Mohammed Akief, acting CEO for Radio Fiji, musicians Tom Mawi, Ken Jansen and Rupeni Serevi have been invited to deliver eulogies.

Musicians Mick Beddoes, Dan Costello and Gilman Lasaisuva awaited the arrival of the entourage at Nadi International Airport this morning and performed the welcoming ceremony of the 'ai vakasobu'.

A 14-member entourage including Bulicokocoko's band, Kapana Group of Tonga, accompanied his body from Hawaii this morning.