Australian born Tongan-Wiradjuri hip-hop and RNB musician, Fiula Havili (16) has secured a spot as one of 166 finalists across 12 categories in the Global RE@CH Media Festival Competition, organised by a web-based youth network.
Growing up, Fiula said that both his Tongan and Aboriginal-Australian heritages had an influence on his passion for music and his background in singing and dance.
With a heritage that includes both Pacific Islander and First Nations Australian ancestry, Fiula says music has always been a significant part of his life.
“You know Tongans love to sing, I think I got my love for singing from my Tongan side” he told Matangi Tonga, "I’ve been playing guitar since I was like –five and even started a small band with my siblings when we were younger."
The young musician finds a stronger connection with music through his Tongan side and associates his dancing skills with his Aboriginal-Australian culture.
He hopes to "make it big" in the music industry and to one day be an inspiration for Pacific Islanders and Aboriginals Australian, to pursue their dreams through hard work.
"I can't think about doing anything else in life, I know this is what I'm meant to do and it's what I want to do".
Fiula said he takes inspiration from artists like ‘The Kid Laroi’, an Australian rapper and singer with Aboriginal ancestry.
Songs
Fiula has released three songs in the past year, including 'Stuck in a Lie', 'Arcade' and his latest single 'Green Light Red Light'. He describes his music as "around hip-hop and RNB".
The Media Festival Competition website provides young artists with a platform to share their art with a wider audience.
Fiula's father, Fiula Havili Snr, is from Ma’ufanga Tongatapu and his mother is a Wiradjuri woman from Condobolin, Australia.
Fiula calls on both his Tongan and Aboriginal people for support and vote for his music video on the festival website, https://www.clubhousereach.org/2024/entry/1927
The prizes to be won include ipads, cameras, laptops and other electronic devices that can benefit the young artists.
