Renowned as both a sessional player for Fiji’s premiere boy band InsideOut and a Producer at Resonance Entertainment Fiji, Bruce Qaqa’s musical journey is a testament to talent, dedication, and the harmonious blend of childhood passion and expertise.
From Church Choirs to Mainstage Lights
Originally hailing from Kocoma Qamea, Taveuni, Bruce Qaqa’s introduction to the world of music began in church. Stepping into a church that held a lively praise and worship team, he found himself drawn more to the melodies from the choir than the sermon itself. “I felt emotionally drawn to the choir’s side of the church and closer to God through music,” Qaqa reminisces. This early exposure laid the foundation for his lifelong affinity with music.
As a sessional player, Qaqa seamlessly adapts to various musical styles and band dynamics. When asked about his secret to this, he mentioned prior preparation. “I always ask for the repertoire and the style they will be playing. I take it home or to the studio to practice, or as I call it, “do my homework” before any performance,” he explains.
Memorable Performances and Meaningful Connections
Qaqa’s most memorable performance with InsideOut took place in Levuka during a Volleyball Tournament in 2023. Nerves consumed him during the first half of the show until he looked up from his keyboard and saw Apakuki Nalawa, famously known as KUKI, a fellow band member he met through church. This familiar face brought a sense of calm and reassurance, allowing him to finish the performance on a high note.
Balancing his role as a sessional player with personal musical projects as a music producer requires careful time management. Qaqa prioritizes his producing projects before delving into performance preparations. “I practice a lot of prioritization and time management,” he emphasizes.
When contributing to new music with InsideOut, Qaqa’s creative process involves a mix of genre exploration and collaboration. He states that the birth of their recent release “Wele,” was inspired by Solomon Islander artist JAHBOY’s musical genre. “JAHBOY used our studio a few years back to practice, and his style of music is very different and fresh! So, I made the Wele track inspired by his music!” Qaqa continues to showcase his ability to merge diverse musical influences, creating a unique and appealing sound.
Influences and Inspirations
Bruce Qaqa’s musical style is shaped by legends like Lucky Dube, George Fiji Veikoso, and KUKI. His deep-seated admiration for Lucky Dube began in childhood, sparked by his late cousin’s love for the reggae icon. This early influence solidified Qaqa’s dream of becoming a musician and producer, someone capable of orchestrating musical magic.
To aspiring musicians and music producers, Qaqa offers simple yet profound advice: “Be yourself.” His philosophy is mirrored in his career, where authenticity and dedication have paved the way for remarkable achievements.
Facing Challenges and Celebrating Success
Creative blocks are inevitable in the life of a music producer, and Qaqa is no exception. When faced with such challenges, he turns to family for rejuvenation. “Spending time with my family at home helps me relax and overcome creative blocks,” he shares.
Among his many accomplishments, the production of InsideOut’s hit songs “iO” and “Ciri Yawa” stands out, with “iO” gathering 1 million views within a month of its release – proof of his unwavering talent and hard work.
On Stage and Beyond
Before stepping on stage, Qaqa ensures he is in the right mindset by praying with the band and keeping a bottle of water close by. His stated that his favourite song to perform with InsideOut is their hit track “iO,” humorously yet proudly stating, “Because I created the track.”
Bruce Qaqa continues to inspire and innovate Fiji’s vast music scene, harmonizing his roles as a sessional player and music producer with deep childhood passion and drive. His journey is a melody of dedication, creativity, and a commitment to being true to oneself.
