Paulini Curuenavuli - Our Fijian Star
For Paulini Curuenavuli, giving back to her home country is a passion she’s always had. Her shot to fame after Australian Idol has led to the release of multiple recording albums and chart topping singles.This began our one-on-one interview which steered towards a whole load of laughter and quite an interesting discussion.
It was my first time meeting Paulini and I must mention how gorgeous she looked in a brown/khaki fitted knee-length dress with minimal accessories and H&M to fit the nines. I instantly thought of my teenage years where I would mime Paulinis “Angel Eyes” pretending the hair brush was my microphone.
After getting to know a little bit about each other we started with the interview and my first question, which I thought was the most important, was :
What are your views on local Artists? Paulini: “I think there is amazing talent here. Our local Artists need all the support they can get and to be constantly reminded to believe in themselves. I mean, if I can get to where I am from absolutely nothing – anyone can. . .”
With her piercing eyes and steady voice, I knew she meant every bit of what she said. For those who don’t know, Paulini has performed several times at various occasions in Fiji over the years. From the Hibiscus Festival, Mana Choral Fest to the Grand Pacific Hotel New Year Party 2014 to one that’s coming up very soon.
What has been the climax of your music career? Paulini: “Just before I released my third album “Come Alive” I received a phone call and was asked to perform in New York at the ‘G’day USA’ which is a day where all the Australians in the States come together and celebrate their different achievements . . . that was a massive thing for me because I’m a Fijian living in Australia and for me that was a privilege.”
It’s funny though because for a lady with immense talent and who’s worked with many celebrities since her debut, you would expect a more ‘Diva-ish’ attitude to say the least; but for Ms. Curuenavuli, her grounded and humble aura changed my perspective of her.
“I was raised in a family of six siblings and for my parent to have us migrate to Australia was a blessing and I saw that as a window of opportunity. . .” She said. “ I thank God for my brothers and sisters . . . If I didn’t have my brothers and sisters and sing in church I don’t think I would have been ready for Idol.”
Moving to Sydney at a young age of 3, Paulini only ever returned home after her success with Australian Idol when she was 21.
After several questions about her career we then moved on to more personal topics about her upbringing, family and church. At this point the interview was getting more and more interesting. For someone I would only see on music videos and hear her sing on the radio to now actually having a one-on-one interview – I had to make the most of it and ask her all the questions I could ever think of.
About twenty minutes into the interview I was already excited to pen down this whole conversation with songbird Paulini Curuenavuli.
Of course, we couldn’t skip the topic of Fashion.
What is your Fashion style?
“I love structured clothing. I always like to look classy but also add a bit of sexiness. . . I never quite got it right before but I think now I do.” – haha don’t worry Paulini, we all had our moments.
Being in an industry that demands a ‘LOOK’, Paulini learned how to style when she started being a professional singer . . . because before that “ I was always a Supre girl; white tees and ripped jeans” – she said.
Various artists have different inspirations and icons so when Paulini mentioned hers to me during the interview I wasn’t surprised at all. I mean, Beyonce is influential to everyone and as a fan of both I can totally see the similarity . . . somewhere.
“I love everything that Beyonce represents and I think that everything that she is is awesome”
Three singers you would perform with? “Usher, Beyonce and John Legend”
After such a fun conversation with Ms. Curuenvuli I asked her the same question I ask all my interviewees: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“I’d love to be international and maybe release music in America. . . that has been my biggest dream.”
The interview ended with more laughs and chit chat and of course a photo to go together with the blog.
It was an overwhelming feeling. I didn’t know how to react when invited to interview Paulini but the opportunity had to be seized so thank you Savuto Vakadewavosa, Elena Baravilala and Isireli Mainavukea for this.
All my preconceived notions of Curuenavuli changed the minute we started talking. All the glitz and the glamour, the music and the paparazzi all put on hold and it was just her and I having a real conversation about life, the Arts and Fiji.
Paulini will be attending the FPRA Music Awards this Saturday supporting our local singers and song writers. Ms Curuenavulis trip was made possible by the National Council of Women in Fiji, FPRA and the Grand Pacific Hotel.
All the best in all you do Sistergirl. That Grammy is waiting for you.
Dxx
