Tahi sets the tone | A Fijian Prodigy From Berklee

From Fijitimes Online (2 July 2023)

In the next five years, Tahi Johnson Fiu wants to be on the world stage laying deep bass grooves behind whoever will be the next big thing in music.

But right now the Boston, Massachusetts, resident is content with co-fronting a duo called TNT alongside Tim Carrigan — his musical sidekick — and gigging in a city filled to the brim with musicians eager to break into the top end of the music business.

Tahi is well on track to achieving his dream because at only 23, the Motusa, Rotuma, lad has achieved what many young musically-gifted can only hope for. He went to music school.

And not just any music school, he is a graduate of the most recognized institution in the world – Berklee College of Music. After four years, he graduated in Contemporary Writing and Production.

When asked what it was like to go to school where global bass legends like Victor Wooten and John Pattituci were among the teaching staff, the youngster said it was 'surreal.'

So how did a Sydney, Australia, boy with Rotuman roots find his way to the prestigious institute?

Tahi was born and brought up in Sydney, Australia, and his dad, renowned Rotuman bassist Kepone Fiu, bought him his first musical instrument — a drum kit — when he was only three.

"I got into it a little bit and when I turned eight he bought me a bass guitar, when I was 10, I picked up the trombone in school," Tahii shared.

His family moved to Hong Kong and stayed there for a bit before returning to the Land Down Under. Tahi attended St Joseph's College in Sydney, played rugby and also joined the school band.

"When I was 12, I picked up the bass again and learnt Master Blaster (Stevie Wonder's ode to reggae legend Bob Marley) for the school recital."

Tahi applied to Berklee in 2018 and as part of his submission, he learnt and performed Rio Funk (a song by jazz superstar Lee Ritenour), and based on his proficiency and aptitude, he got in.

Now a graduate, the youngster is keen to develop his style.

And while he respects and acknowledges the many great bassists and musicians who have contributed to shaping his sound and performances — Tahi is focused on being a bass player and producer of distinction.

"If you spend your life comparing yourself to those around you, you'll never get to a point where you'll be happy or satisfied with who you are as an artist.

"My approach to music is the same as my approach to life. "And to a big extent you can hear it in the way I play.

"I want to come into my own style, I love keeping the groove, and I'm not happy soloing.

"There are other instruments in a band that are there to do the solos.

"I believe that focus has developed me as a player and as a person.

"The greatest advice that my dad gave me was to always show respect.

"And I have taken that philosophy on board and used it in every aspect in my life.

"If you respect who you are and respect those around you – show respect in what you do and the way you do it, then, I believe, you are well on your way to living a good and productive life."

The Fiji Times caught up with Tahi during a visit to the country last week. He jetted in to meet relatives and travel to Rotuma for the first time.

Acknowledging who you are and where you're from is the epitome of respect. And Tahi certainly has it.