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Fiji's 'Spectrum Collective' Blends Music and Art for Dynamic Performance
'Spectrum Collective' Displays Dynamic Cultural Expression
The Fiji-based arts group, 'Spectrum Collective', has garnered attention for their unique performances. Francisco Bhagwan, a member of the collective, noted that their music is not what many would consider mainstream in Fiji or even the Pacific. He emphasized that 'The Pacific is not a monolith' and is a very dynamic culture. Bhagwan stated, 'We're one people connected by the ocean, but we're also so different and unique.' The 'Spectrum Collective' showcases a spectrum of musical genres and art forms, incorporating not only music but also spoken word and live painting infused into their performances, offering a multi-sensory experience.
Improvisational Live Painting and Cultural Messages
Anga'aefonu Bain-Vete, another member, performs improvisational live painting during their shows. She explained that she doesn't know what the painting will look like until the end, calling it 'exciting.' Bain-Vete likened this artistic practice to the mark-making seen in tapa, textiles, and tattoos across the Pacific, viewing it as 'recording a moment in time and space' and 'recording parts of our culture which is ever-evolving.' She described it as trusting the journey, similar to not knowing what the waves will do but trusting there's something worthwhile at the end.
Advocating for Self-Determination and Solidarity
The 'Spectrum Collective' also delivers powerful messages through their art. Francisco Bhagwan highlighted that many in the Pacific region are still fighting for their right to be themselves and for self-determination, underscoring the importance of regional solidarity. A key message from the collective is that 'no one is free until we are all free.' Bhagwan stressed the significance of freedom as a concept, especially freedom of expression, which is central to 'Spectrum Collective''s ethos. Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu added that they are 'not your normal band back home,' and are 'more open to being vulnerable in our practice, willing to make mistakes, play the stuff that no one's ever dared to try, and it's okay.' He finds fulfillment when he sees someone dancing or nodding their head in the crowd.
*Source: YouTube: ABC Australia (2026-03-28)*
