Joji Kevetibau, affectionately known as Pojee, finds deep meaning in music as it encapsulates memory, emotion, and a sense of belonging. His musical path is profoundly influenced by his childhood, particularly the nurturing guidance of his grandparents. Pojee shares, “My grandmother sang in a choir. I grew up with her most of the time and she used to make me attend choir practices.” The legacy of his late grandmother, Limiva Sovakalia, who passed away in 2020, significantly shaped his passion for music. She instilled in him values of discipline, harmony, and a strong respect for the communal spirit of music-making.
His grandfather also played a pivotal role, teaching Pojee important lessons about patience and belonging, strengthening the foundation of his artistry. He reflects, “They shaped the way I see music, and the way I see life. From them, I learnt that music is not about showing off; it’s about connection.”
Growing up in Nausori Village, Tailevu, with maternal ties to Tavualevu, Tavua, Pojee’s identity is deeply intertwined with his family, community, and cultural roots. As the middle child among three siblings, his childhood was vibrant with shared meals, storytelling, and the rich rhythms of village life. He emphasizes the importance of values instilled by his family: “They taught me about sharing, supporting one another, and staying humble, and those principles still guide me.”
Music is a cherished family tradition for Pojee, with several cousins actively involved in singing and production, including Merelesia Ranatawake, Joave Ranatawake, and Lenati Ramakosoi of Kavula Production. Their creative journeys provided Pojee with early insights into music as a passion and a craft. Additionally, being inspired by local artists such as Sekove Raikoro, The Redemption, Vocal Brothers, and Grace Symphony enriched his artistic development, further reinforcing the enduring influences of church and village life around him.
A turning point in Pojee’s musical evolution occurred when he learned to play the guitar, which he describes as transformative. He notes, “Playing instruments helped me understand music better. It made it easier to write, arrange, and express what I’m feeling.”
His debut public performance with VT1S, where he sang “Biliraki” by Stee Vereaukula, marked a significant moment in his musical journey. “I was really nervous. But I was also excited. That was the moment I realized this is what I want to do and keep growing in,” he recalls, pinpointing a key step in his artistic development.
Now based in New Zealand, Pojee actively engages in a broader musical landscape while remaining rooted in his heritage. His music is defined by an authentic expression of real-life experiences and emotions. “I want them to inspire, uplift, and connect — whether someone is going through something hard or celebrating something good,” he states, underscoring his commitment to creating relatable art.
For Pojee, music is not merely an escape from his origins but an extension of them, with the teachings of his grandparents echoing through every note, rhythm, and performance. No matter where his journey takes him, the warmth, discipline, and love bestowed by his family continue to resonate within his music, fostering a hopeful link to his past and the communities that have molded him.