On February 21st, 2025, Fiji’s vast music scene is set to receive a new platform for storytelling with the launch of “Talanoa Time,” a digital entertainment talk show hosted by Tegumailagi Toganivalu. The name “Talanoa,” derived from the Fijian word for “dialogue,” perfectly captures the essence of this engaging series. With the tagline “Your backstage pass,” the digital entertainment talk show promises to offer fans an intimate glimpse into the lives of their favourite bands, including Marama, Vegas 6, and FoSho.
Toganivalu’s chemistry with the bands is unmatched. “While artists may perform effortlessly in front of thousands of fans, placing them before a camera for an interview often leaves them unexpectedly at a loss for words,” said John Kado and Trent Ledger from Vegas 6. This sentiment underscores the authentic and raw conversations that Talanoa Time aims to deliver.
The magic of Talanoa Time lies in its ability to show the musicians’ authentic characters, revealing the people behind the music. Toganivalu shared a profound thought: “Music can deeply resonate with people’s feelings and emotions. However, engaging in a Q&A session with artists reveals their true selves, setting aside the stage persona and showcasing what makes them unique. What makes them ‘them’.”
She also shared that one can say ‘Trent is the man who wrote “Era Siro Sobu,”’ but when you have a sit-down Q&A session, we learn that his journey with music started when he was younger and was influenced by his grandmother. That is why he sings in the Macuata dialect.”
Toganivalu felt a deep connection with the artists and believed their stories deserved to be told in a unique way beyond their music. Talanoa Time was born out of this belief.
Each episode release is strategically tied to significant days such as “International Mother Tongue Day,” “Valentine’s Day,” “International Women’s Day,” and “International Day of Happiness,” weaving in how music can be used to celebrate and understand these themes.
The upcoming three months promise a wide array of content from these incredible bands. Toganivalu humbly acknowledges the honour of being on camera with these musicians, and she eagerly anticipates sharing their journeys. For her, stepping in front of the camera and hosting a show is a new adventure, a legacy inspired by her mother, Ateca Ledua, of “Get Set.”
Talanoa Time creates a sense of humanity, allowing audiences to relate to, understand, and resonate with the artists on a deeper level. Tune in to this heartfelt digital entertainment talk show and get your backstage pass to the soulful stories behind the music.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the premiere episode on February 21st, 2025, and join Tegumailagi Toganivalu on “Talanoa Time” as she shares these compelling narratives with the world.
