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Music of the Fiji Islands has taken the evolutionary path that almost all indigenous music in the world has gone through over the centuries. That is, it has included and combined various styles and genres to produce the sounds of music that we hear today.

The style that is Fijian music is a blend of Polynesian and Melanesian music with the variation in style between one area and another. Although vocal music remains dominant, the use of instruments in song and dance has proved to be an on-going fashion.

Instruments used in traditional Fijian music include the guitar, ukulele, mandolin and several kinds of ‘lalis’ or drums. In addition, the ‘derua’ (bamboo stamping tubes) of varying lengths are beaten on the ground or on mats. Sometimes, clapping and stomping of feet are used to accompany the derua in providing rhythm and beats of traditional Fijian music.

In keeping up with the new age, some local music is composed in much the same way as western music. Classical, Pop and Reggae are the main genres that have been incorporated into most local music in Fiji. And this is evident in the popular young bands that are stamping their marks in Fiji’s music arena. There’s also a good selection of jazz and blues from music veterans within the country.

Whether it be for the young or not-so-young, Fiji boasts a wide variety of local music types that’s designed for almost every musical taste.

Visit a music store near you and simply ask for what it is that makes you ‘groove’.

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