In a candid and inspiring interview, Thomas Waqairawai, the talented bassist and singer of Fiji’s newest boy band FoSho, shares his journey through a remarkable year, marked by both professional milestones and personal growth.
Thomas proudly recalls the highlight of his career: performing alongside national music icon Mr. Saimone Vuatalevu and international artist Conkarah. These experiences have solidified his passion for music and underscored the power of collaboration in the music industry.
Thomas’ decision to pursue music as a career was cemented when he received a payslip from his day job and realized that he had earned more from a single gig than from two weeks of work in a job he did not have passion for. This pivotal moment motivated him to fully embrace his musical aspirations.
The band continues to face several challenges, particularly in coordinating practice sessions. To overcome this, they began recording their practices and sharing the recordings, allowing Thomas to practice at home. On a personal level, Thomas struggled with the time spent away from his children. To address this, he makes every moment with them count before leaving for gigs. He emphasizes that “focusing on solutions rather than problems” is key to overcoming challenges.
One of the most exciting aspects of this year for Thomas is being surrounded by the immense pool of musical talent from his fellow Resonance Entertainment artists. This environment has sparked his passion for continuous learning and refining his craft, as well as sharing his knowledge with others.
Shaping Music through Life Experiences
Growing up in a large family, Thomas was surrounded by stories and experiences that shaped his musical preferences. He is drawn to storytelling songs that promote family, strength, and love, reflecting his own life experiences.
Through his music, Thomas hopes to convey that one’s talent can provide for themselves and their family. He believes it is never too late to start pursuing what you love and hopes to inspire others to follow their passions.
If given the chance, Thomas would love to collaborate with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, envisioning an acapella performance on a grand stage in front of a huge crowd. This dream collaboration speaks to his admiration for their artistry and impact on his musical journey.
Sources of Inspiration
When feeling stuck or uninspired, Thomas turns to his children for creative inspiration. He also hints at the mysterious initials “KLRL” as a source of inspiration he plans to reveal to fans in the near future.
With the new year in tow, Thomas reflects on his proudest moment: performing “Tucake Mai” with Saimone Vuatalevu. Although he has played the song many times, this performance was special because FoSho backed up the original and iconic artist himself.
Looking ahead, Thomas is excited to explore new directions, including creating original music and honing his skills in bass playing and singing.
Thomas Waqairawai’s journey with FoSho is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams. His story is an inspiration to all aspiring musicians and fans alike.
