ABSTRACT
Audiences at the 1988 South Pacific Festival of Arts in Townsville had the opportunity to see performances by the many divergent cultures which co-exist in Fiji. Indigenous Fijians come within the boundaries of both Melanesia and Polynesia. Some areas are more Melanesian (as in Western Viti Levu), others more Polynesian (as in the Lau group in the eastern part of Fiji). Non-indigenous groups include Indians, Chinese, Rotumans, Europeans (Caucasians), Banabans, Tongans, Solomon Islanders and other Pacific Islanders. This paper covers musical events of the last three decades and how they have influenced urban ethnic Fijian musical attitudes and ideals.
