Is it a chicken? Is it an owl? Whatever it is, it’s Fiji’s Miss World entrant, Koini Vakaloloma, making a right royal turkey of herself and of her country at the global competition in Mongolia. Now Koini is a lovely girl and none of this criticism is directed at her. But who on earth took it upon themselves to decide that she parade as some unidentified exotic bird in the dance segment of the competition? It was a breathtaking lapse even by the vapid standards already set by the Miss World Fiji franchise holder and local boy Andhy Blake. We see that Blake is claiming credit for choreographing Koini’s dance routine. So presumably he signed off on the costume. In one collective wail of embarrassment, the whole country is asking WHY?
Why come up with the idea in the first place? What on earth does this have to do with Fiji? If you really had to dress the poor girl up as a bird, wasn’t there one more appropriate to Fiji? What about the famous Red Shining Parrot? Or even a pesky Mynah? At least there would have been some element of authenticity to the whole exercise. As it was, poor Koini looked spectacular for all the wrong reasons. It was so high camp she looked like one of the dancers at the Folies Bergere in Paris. Or some transsexual dive in New York.
No, it was even worse. Koini was meant to be representing Fiji. But she wound up in this sequence looking as if she represented Peru. All those feathers and dangling bits made her look like some exotic Inca. Don’t believe us? Then why has the major Peruvian Miss World website put a picture of Koini on its home page? They’re claiming her as one of their own. Because – “Ah Mi Dios” (“Oh My God” in Spanish) – Miss Fiji has out Peru’d Peru!
The social media is abuzz today with comment, none of it flattering. Some people are asking if Crest Chicken – the scourge of Fiji’s hens and roosters – was one of Koini’s sponsors? And fair enough because it sure looks that way. Some sections of local media – Fiji Village among them – say that she’s meant to be an owl. An owl? Aren’t owls meant to be sensible as in “wise old owl”? God help us, there’s nothing remotely wise or sensible about this.
Andhy (why the “h”?) has already brought enough ignominy on Fiji with the debacle over the choice of the first Miss World, Torika Watters. Poor Torika had her name dragged through the mud for “not looking Fijian enough”, a mixed-race girl who the critics said was too European looking and didn’t have a “buiniga” – the frizzy hair of an i’Taukei. It sparked an international furor that badly damaged Fiji’s reputation before it emerged that Torika wasn’t qualified to go to Mongolia in the first place because she was too young.
Enter Koini Vakaloloma, a beautiful mixed-race i’Taukei/Indo-Fijian, who rescued Andhy and the competition with her grace and style. Yet what do they do to her? Not dress her in anything remotely associated with Fiji – no masi or even a sari – but present her to the world as some kind of unspecified bird. Well we’re sorry but from where we sit, she may as well have been a trussed up turkey. Gosh, even the girls around her were smirking as she pranced around out front. They call them smiles at Miss World but we all know how false they are. And this time, everyone watching at home was smirking as well.
Koini, it’s OK. We still love you and you’ve been a wonderful ambassador for Fiji. When you get back, we’re all going to try to forget our embarrassment and give you all the praise you deserve. But that Andhy Blake! He really needs a good talking to because what on earth was he thinking? The Fiji Government was mortified by the international outcry that accompanied the Torika Watters debacle and rightly so. It damaged all of the work it’s tried to do to present an image of a new Fiji in which race has no place.
The Permanent Secretary for Tourism, Elizabeth Powell, had some pungent things to say about our Andhy and the local Miss World. This time, the Government may not want to act as the fashion police but certainly the rest of us should be kicking up a stink. Surely if people take the name “Fiji” onto the international stage in a competition supposedly watched by a billion people, there ought to be an official safety net? Why should Andhy have a licence to embarrass?
This whole thing just made us cringe all over again – Fiji’s reputation again hijacked and sullied by some really dumb people with a dumb idea. Yes, it’s only a beauty pageant but why should we all be made to suffer? No, don’t take Andhy up to the camp for a little talk. Just prop him up at the bar at Birdland – -the infamous Suva nightclub -and make him stay there where he belongs. If only there was a taxidermist in Suva who could stuff him and put him in a cage in the corner.
LUNCHTIME UPDATE: Andy Blake is telling Fiji Village that Koini was definitely playing an owl as a symbol of wisdom and that he can’t see what people are complaining about. What a hoot! 🙂
Thanks Graham. I just finished posting on this issue on the Fiji Airways thread. Glad you have picked upn this.
As a Fijian (taukei) I am embarrased by what this fellow Andy Blake has done to Fiji.
Just when we were celebrating the authenticity of the new Fiji Airways logo, along comes this clown Andhy Blake with his ‘owl and the pussycat’ theme that we used to perform at Kindy at one stage of our lives.
Too right it is not Fijian! As you point out it is Peruvian….next thing Andhy will insist that we do Brazilian with Miss Fiji appropriately shaved and in a suit of razor blades! (now that would be an offer Gillette would jump at as a sponsor!)
I have asked before on an earlier thread on the Miss Watters debacle about the local credentials of this fellow Andhy Blake. I have even asked a member of the well known Blake family in Fiji (descendants of George Blake, famous Fiji boxer in 1940-1950’s who whilst serving in the Solomons during WW2 knocked out every US challenger who took him on).
They deny any connexion to this clown Andhy and say that he is a Kiwi ‘blow in’.
Elizabeth Powell and the Minsitry of Tourism should now put up and do something about people like Andhy causing a national embrassment, or shut up altogether. Syrely, there must an system where groups who represent Fiji overseas in international pageants of this sort, should be subject to some form of scrutiny and ‘audit’ about the authenticity of their performance.
This ‘contemporary’ theme that dance groups in Fiji are doing are a good thing in that they promote creativity. The danger lies where, like in the case of Koini and her ‘owl and the pussycat’ routine promoted by ‘Blow in Blake’, the routine can go way over the top to the extent that it is an embarassment to a nation.
What a shocker!
I agree Anonymous…For a few seconds during Koini’s performance, I felt so ashamed being a Fiji Islander. A simple meke would have sufficed. Like they say, less is more. I didn’t know she was meant to portray an owl and you can imagine what the rest of the world were thinking. If we didn’t get the message, how could we expect the rest of the world to? The world may see us as showing off. I feel the tourism ministry should do something about this type of negative advertisement or Fiji will become the laughing stock of the world.
No comment…….
the owl in fiji tradition means bad luck, how aposite,
What the hell is that, some kind of Inca god from machupichu
Looks like a Fiji junglee murgi (wild chicken); makes very good curry.
Bahahahahahahaha @ junglee murgi
At “Tata’s” curry house near the Hindu temple just past the junction of Nadi Backroad, they advertising on their menu board Curry Junglee Murgi as ‘Curry Uncivilised Chicken’.
Ya, only in Fiji!
Please Kathy, I am laughing too much, I got a weak heart!
@ Chicken run
My dear, this is no joke. Go see for yourself. Tourists were lining up having their photos taken pointing to each other as being the ‘uncivilised chicken’.
I think the Indo-Fijian guy who manages the place (poor feloow is cross eyed anyway) tried his best at interpreting or translating “Curry Junglee Murgi” into English.
I think he made an honest attempt but unwittingly, may have created something uniquely Fijian that has become a tourist attraction – not to mention the Number 1 curry they make there.
True’s Up – “Uncivilised Chicken Curry” – only in Fiji
What an embarrassing screwup. Thats what you get when you put pretentious people in charge, who are trying to make a name for themselves instead of just representing Fiji, its people and its values and character….. Mr Blake needs to be reminded of the KISS principle….(keep it simple stupid).
Better put that costume on blake and make dance across the drill square at QEB.
I just want to pick up on the valid points that Anonoymous makes at the head of these comments. I was having akava session with some members of my extended family when the subject of Koini’s ‘owl and pussycat’ routine was raised. The universal response around the kava circle or bowl was one of condemnation for a performnace that was not Fijian at all.
There is a tradition in Fijian (taukei) protocol that is called the ‘i’ sevu’. In the case of mekes there is a tradition of ‘ai sevu ni meke’ – where the meke is performed before a chief and his subjects for their approval before it is taken and performed publicly outside of the village domain. In this case there was cleraly no ‘sevu ni meke’ performed. E sega ni sevutaki (it wasnt subject to a sevu).
Anonoymous raises the issue of some sort of ‘audit’. Well, if the traditional ‘i sevu’ protocols was followed by ‘Blow in Blake’ and his crew then the whole issue of the appropriatenes or otherwise of the Peruvian dance routine would have been rejected for sure.
Elizabeth Powell and the Ministry of Fijian (Taukei) Affairs should henceforth make it mandatory for such performnces to be subject to a ‘preview’ through the protocols of the traditional ‘ai sevu’. We have the traditional protocols already in place but people like Blake chose to ignore it and that is why their performnace went ahead without the traditional ‘mana’ haveing been bestowed upon it.
All the world now can see what a shocker that ‘owl and the pussycat’ routine was (to use Anonoymous words).
The other issue is that now that everyone is called ‘Fijian’ there is a danger that there will be open slather for people to come and raid traditional Fijian customs and tradition under the claim that they too are Fijian. That is the fear that many taukei have and which is encapsulated in the Blake ‘bomb’ in Mongolia.
Respect tradational protocols and the ‘man will flow on and be yours. Thats what our fathers have always told us. You ignore that advice at your peril.
last sentence should read:
Respect tradational protocols and the “mana” will flow on and be yours. Thats what our fathers have always told us. You ignore that advice at your peril.
well said
How on earth can he refer to that routine and costume as being of Fijian or have any such affiliation with the Fijian culture.
Cringe. Could it get any worse. Hasnt he done enough to tarnish and ridicule our reputation
She had only a few seconds on in the intro and had the most air time in the dance bit and they muck it up.
Maybe NZ had something to do with this trying to embrass Fiji with their kiwi blown in blake!!!!!!!
Below is my post as dated under the blog “Miss World Fiji Debacle” of 13 May. If one follows his tweets/facebook commentc etc…..and read between lines, the message was clear….a disaster in the making….we should have known….and the authorities should have stopped him on his tracks……I hope a lesson learnt.
Terrior RC
Posted May 13, 2012 at 12:15 PM
Was Andhy promoting his products under the guise of Miss World….did we miss all the signs of a disaster in the making…..were the girls conned and me thinks we need to get to the bottom of all this……….see below his tweet below.
Andhy Blake@MissFijiWorld
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Ding! Our Evening Gown for @MissWorldLtd has just been decided! Rocking it @MissWorldFiji Going to look AMAZE!! x
11:29 PM – 7 May 12via web
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11:29 PM – 7 May 12via web · Embed this Tweet
Ya, baya you called it correctly then.
My 2c on this whole Owl costume thingy. So what is the “Fijian” identity? I can kinda see where the thinking behind the costume came from. What could she have worn that would have appropriately represented ALL of us? Some will say that she should have worn iTaukei clothes, then some will say “no she should have iTaukie and Indian clothes…but then how about the other ethnicities that make up this country? The truth is, we cannot base our national identity along ethnic lines AT ALL. Because it makes just these kinds of arguments possible. My opinion is, as far as a national identity goes, we don’t got one. So…seeing as it’s a free for all, Koini and those who came up with the costume are fully entitled to dress her up however the hell they wanted to.Sure, it looked ridiculous but you know what’s even more ridiculous? The fact that WE don’t even know what the hell we want to call ourselves.
SOOOOOO did the OWL correctly represent us?
You dont see the all NZ’ers calling themselves Maori or the Chinese in Tonga calling themselves Tongan or the Aussies calling themselves Abo
Yessssssssssssss we accept that we are a multiracial country , and there are many ways Andy with an H could have represented this rich and diverse culture.. but an OWL/or what ever that mutagenically altered creature is ? c’mon
My nams is Chand and I have an identity….I am a Fijian.
Of course you don’t have an identity and even Terry and Petelo are ashamed of you guys…you have lowered their standards….now go back into your hole and feed on your droppings.
to say that we dont have an identity … now that is low
Dude…. maybe ur the one wihtout an identity… How dare you say that Fiji does not have a national identity. Im Fijian, through and through…. I can be represented by what my forefathers wore when they found our beautiful islands, that is Masi, tapa mats and much more…. not some fucken owl costume …. save that and keep it to identify urself!
i think he was referring to Andhy…
You are the one without an identity bro….I am a Proud Fijian with an Indian name.I may not have frizzy hair and i may not have Melanesian skin….but my identity is Fijian…and proud of it
This is the best thing about the Bainimarama government, they have brought us to the point where WE need to talk about these things openly. For that alone I support them.
you are all blinded . God bless our economy.. or whats left of it.. Bainimarama has not a clue to what he is doing.
There goes another owl….or is it a turkey??//
oi o kemudou beka na kawa ni dau kana lulu
This is not about Bainimarama….please leave the PM out of this issue,,,its about Andhy exploiting a rather sweet and beautiful girl to showcase an outfit that does not even complement her beauty and the country as a whole….
lini
Listen dude, this is not about Bainimarama. If you cannot contribute then just shut up and go to c4.5 or matavuvale where all they do is gossip about Bainimarama.
oilei o koko
set set… onz o iko Chand. Sa vosa tiko mai me vaka e dua na kai Viti.
Gentlemen, please. Interested in your thoughts on the debate about national identity. The one line put downs aren’t in the spirit of that discussion.
Andhy Blake you bloody deserve to get shot with one shit gun!
Castrate the pufta who is responsible for this costume
He might like the free sex change haha
Now THAT is a chicken with some nice legs!!!!
It looked like everyone else was at a game where she was the mascot…
I thought that this Blake person had learnt his lesson with the first episode of that began in Fiji as if that wasn’t standing in shit whats he trying to prove now? That Blake is far bigger idiot than what we all thought he was. Just look at the photo and see all the other contestants-and how they are dressed I have an odd feeling this was a deliberate ploy of his just to get back at the organises in Fiji and how the poor lass from Fiji must feel!
I hope something is seriously done about this Blake wanna be, because this is a serious misrepresentation of not only Fiji as a Nation, but as a Culture and identity! My goodness what was Blake thinking of, and he even had the audacity to defend his Stupid Creation – my God! What does he know about been Fijian? Is he even Fijian? What does he know about Creativity or fashion? Is he a model or a designer? What does he even know about universial image? If he had any brains, he would have known that, an owl flattering her wings to the beat and chat of Fijian lali and lyrics is not only offensive to us Native Fijians but very insulting. I watched the video clip and i was really embarrassed, at the lies that the owl image and bird dance portrayed about FIJI.
OK lemme have a pluck at this…. Our descendants landed on Fiji on the back of Turukawa. A giant rooster with a wingspan that covered the Length of the Lomaiviti Islands. It descended onto Vuda and Lutunasobasoba & family disembarked. Than it flew with its serpent prey and landed in Nakauvadra. Turukawas prey overpowered him and gained the status of overlord over the newfound isles. All that myth of arriving on the Kaunitoni is what it is, a myth. This is the true account of our arrival.
Turukawas serpent preys’ Degei who is not represented in this perfomance…How is that for a Pluck
@ Tui Waqanibaravi
Try again. Your ‘pluck’ is as peurile as it is unconvincing.
Turukawa was not a rooster, but a mythological wild tern (know in Fijian as “bici” or “teri”). Just like the tern he was flightless and live in the forest as its protector.
Furthermore, an owl crying at night was a bearer of bad news (not always death). Seeing an owl during the day was considered good luck.
It is what it is. A pluck…Would be interesting to know what pushed Mr Blake to such extremes of embarrassment. Only fair that we hear his explanation. For now we are all duck pluckers in the dark.
If he’s wrong than OK, he’s a duck ready for plucking
There’s one little young bird in the world who is counting her lucky stars..Phewww!
How the hell did Andy (with a h) Blake con his way into getting the rights for this contest? he is clearly out of his depth. he has no idea what he is doing. he made a total fool of that girl, and of Fiji, on the international arena. You can see the other contestants struggling to stifle their giggles. Where the hell did this Blake character land from? What a joke! I laughed but I also cried for our poor girl. Blake is defending his costume – he should march through Suva in that costume during the hibiscus carnival if he feels that confident!
In my neck of the woods (Tailevu North) the owl is considered a bad omen.
Local folklore tells that the mountains inTailevu North arecupied by a number of demons, the most ugly and dangerous of which is the demon “Vtikalulu” who has the wide and percing eyes of the owl and whice body i covered in the feathers of the owl – hence the name ‘Vutikalulu (Vuti = feathers or body hair…and Lulu = that of an owl).
c
When poor Koini appeared in her “chickadee act” we were all shocked, astounded and insulted. How can taukei custom be presented in such a trivial and demeaning way?
Our shick was only broken by my grandfather who quipped in the background “Ira gone, ni qarauna, sa qai mai qori o Vutikalulu” (l”ook outyou kids, the demon Vutikalulu is coming”). Everyone broke into laughter and derision
I am told Andy was trying to convey a political point to the outside world – that people’s rights have been turkey-trumped by a government which came to power through the barrel of a gun in Fiji
That the citizens of Fiji are like turkey – not knowing – when they will be picked up and served to their cooks at Queen Elizabeth Barracks – for flapping their wings for their rights.
As for that idiot Andy: “Nothing arouses ambition so much in the heart as the trumpet-clang of another’s fame.”
Let us, like President Obama did at his annual Thanksgiving Dinner, pardon our own turkey – the poor Koini
Welcome to new Fiji – this is what happens when we decide not to have a cultural or traditional icon that we all can embrace and be proud of – maybe lets have her costume as our new traditional log – which will be immediately recognized from Pakistan to Peru
Adios!
She should not have taken part in Miss World at all – its demeaning to women, full stop – being told how to behave, what to wear, and how to smile to please dirty old ogling and chauvinistic men around the world
I have to agree with you Shamima. I am uncomfortable about this whole idea of our womenfolk being required to don skimpy bikini’s and lounge around in sensual poses to, I guess, please dirty old men out there who pay for this type of thing.
It is unFijian. I think we should put a stop to this type of exploitation of our womenfolk. The Hibisbus Festival etc I dont have a probem with because there are no bikini shoots etc that emphasisies the female body for those lecherous old men out there.
I am with Anonoymous – the government should interven here to protect our citizens like Koini from being exploited by people like Andhy (with an H). Cant women rights groups in Fiji take it up?
I feel very sorry for Koini, as she was my own daughter. We should do all we can to protect the likes of her being exploited and humiliated like she just has on the word stage.
This guy Andhy Blake should be blacklisted. Cant you guys do something more than just complain?
im sorry for this BUUUUTTTT……bahahahahahahaa…OMG she looks hilarious..dang didnt she look at heself in the mirror?….ok But anyway. some one needs to pluck andy…vujiraki mamaca…qaura!!!…..oh and yeah trhe other contestants look like they biting there lips tongues what ever coz they need to keep themselves from laughing at the bird doing the worm dance.
Andy is high on ganja
NARUU STYLE,,,,,,,KOINI FOLLOW TOO MUCH NARUU BLAKE
I JUST SAW ALL THOSE CONTESTANTS LAUGHING AT DA PERFORMANCE FROM MISS FIJI
Andy (the H) Blake should be declared ‘persona non grata’ unless he agrees to march though Suva in the same costume – back to my curry duck chaser and bounty rum!
@ hamoboy
Qarauna na gusumu (watch your mouth), baleta levu na noda era dra tikitiki (because many Fijians are of mixed blood), wili talega kina e levu vei ira na noda turaga & marama bale (including many high chiefs in Fiji)
Well I wonder what they will have to say about Andhy Blake thinking the MAsi and Kuta are not good enough for the world stage?
Agree
@ hamoboy
Taura vakamalua tagane. Na veivakaduduitaki vakarokoniyago e sega ni vinakati e na gauna e dai (prejudices against peoples colours are not relevant in the current context).
Raici Obama mada kei na vanua e sa dabeca tu oqo e dua na rako ni yagoloaloa (look at where Obama sits today as a black man). Oya na lesoni me da vuli kece mai kina (that is the lesson we all have to learn from).
I don’t have any prejudice. I am merely pointing out the fact that there are thousands and thousands of beautiful young iTaukei and Indo-Fijian women, yet the contestants who competed in his shameful pageant were almost entirely comprised of white or fair-skinned kai loma girls. Was everyone but me blind blind to the blatant whitewashing of the contest?
Shouldn’t a pageant to represent Fiji be comprised of people that represent Fiji? I’m not saying there should be a quota, but doesn’t the distortion of Fiji’s demographics in the pageant ring any racism alarms?
Hamoboy, it’s a shame that this debate has assumed racial overtones when it is really about whether putting a pretty girl into a ridiculous outfit is an appropriate way for Fiji to be represented to one billion viewers.
But you can’t legislate to change attitudes and for some reason race has always been the elephant in the room in Fiji when it comes to “beauty pageants”. It seems to be part of an underlying sensitivity about whether certain girls aren’t getting a fair go because of their racial characteristics. Which, in turn, seems to be an expression of our own wider collective sensitivities about our respective places in national life.
Each individual in Fiji might have their own idea of what constitutes a purer form of beauty – straight black, buiniga, blonde or redhead. But that doesn’t mean everyone can’t agree on a common expression of what makes a beautiful person. And this is where I agree with Shamima Ali about the vacuous nature of the Miss World competition in that it celebrates face and figure, not so much personality and achievement.
Do young i’Taukei girls face a challenge making the grade in these competitions? I’m not so sure. Lenora Qereqeretabua is just one i’Taukei beauty by general consensus who did exceptionally well up against other girls. Why? Because she’s much more than just a pretty face. The woman has a brain and charisma as well. Are Indo-Fijian girls having trouble breaking through the pack? Maybe there are just fewer of them who are interested in taking part because they don’t like the idea of lining up like pieces of meat.
You talk about the predominance of Kailoma girls. Maybe they’re the ones who aspire more to be in the vapid milieu of the Miss World pageant, where the girls seem to have the same fixed smiles and anodyne “International look” now matter what continent they come from?
It’s all getting a bit out of hand, this obsession with youth and looks in Fiji. We’ve got all these local events like Fiji Fashion Week that are almost secular churches where people come to worship “beauty”. How can a 15 or 17 year old possibly have developed enough life experience to exude what really matters – a sense of style and a true sense of what’s important? Foremost of which is that nothing about ” the world of glamour” is remotely important. It might be a giggle but that’s it.
We have children and young adolescents tricked up as adult supermodels without any debate about whether it’s good for them. This is what we should really be talking about – the right to be frigging normal, no matter what race you are.
So my view is that the racial element you cite is peripheral and largely irrelevant to what this is really about – presenting an appropriate sense of identity at these international events when it’s Fiji the country, as well as Fiji the girl, that’s on display. It’s about the collateral damage to the national image when some idiot gets tarred and feathered for turning something that could have been dignified into high farce.
Oh, you have no disagreement from me that these pageants are vapid. I was focusing my attention on Andhy Blake’s Ms World pageant and no other one because I was not attempting to talk about any underlying prejudice, but rather only the prejudice Andhy Blake is showing.
Also I think race underlies everything, especially in a country such as Fiji. The best way to combat racism, I think, is to discuss it openly and well, instead of hiding it. You are quite correct that it is the elephant in the room. You’ll notice that Lenora won the Ms Hibiscus Crown. The racial composition of the Ms Hibiscus pageant before and after independence is also an instructive lesson on the racial politics of Fiji, but that’s not what this article is about, so I have not mentioned anything about it.
The Fiji Fashion Week thing also attracts a great deal of criticism for their “standards” of beauty as well. There was a huge debate the other year about the models’ small dress sizes in a country of big people.
It is embarrassing for many people to talk about these issues, and when handled wrongly (like in the Torika scandal) it has the potential to bring a great deal of shame to our country. But ultimately, if ALL voices are to be heard, this is a conversation that I think needs to happen.
To put this in a better way, I am not prejudiced against ANYONE’S colours, but I noticed something about the pageant that made me think Andhy Blake is prejudiced against colours, and those colours are black and brown. Go look at the images of the Ms World Fiji contestants and you will see what I mean.
Curry duck….agreed but Blake should also wear a card around his neck saying “if you think I am stupid; throw a rotten egg at me”
Yes, very mature. Thank you for your insightful critique of my statement.
ATTENTION Kailoma and Hamoboy: Some of your recent postings have been deleted because I will not tolerate obscenities being used on this site. Anyone who breaks this rule will have their contributions automatically deleted. And repeat offenders will be blocked from the site altogether. This is a classy joint, not a cyber sewer like some other websites.
Sorry, I just got so caught up in my disgust. Will try to keep it cleaner in future. The deletion broke the coherence of the thread though.
Apology accepted “Hamoboy”. You can always recap again with all your main points.
What sould have been done was that a audit committee should have been set up to view Koinis peformance. The Fiji governement did not have any involvement. The least Blake could have done was to meet up wit the culture and heritage committee and discussed how they could have represented Fiji. Koinis peformance at our local Hibiscus Festival last year was way better then what the world got to see of Fiji at the paegent. I am a born and bred Fijian yet I did not understand the significance of the duck/owl or whatever it was to our own culture and tradition. Our own nation bird, the kula would ahve been a beautiful option. Another option could have been a traditional Fijian wedding dress made of masi, complete with a Buiniga (an artificial could have sufficed) and the really oily and shiny body.
Just saying…
reading everyone’s comments on the skin colour issue or the racial issue i am somewhat saddened…i have lived in fiji my whole life and so have my parents…my great grand parents migrated to Fiji years ago from other countries and set up homes here where my grandparents grew up…reading all these comments i feel i can no longer call myself a Fijian anymore…its like saying that if Fiji wants to put looks or skin colour into the equation of the eligibility to represent ones country…it should be throughout everything…whether it be on stage at a pageant such as this or the others to come (earth and international) or in sports…and that is just sad because it is depriving non-itaukei fijians of representing their home country…i dont even know how its ok for an indian born in fiji to represent a country (miss world 04) but not ok for a kai-loma or kaivalagi born i fiji to represent her country….sorry but thats just my views
p.s. i dont think any of this racial shit wouldve been brought up if it hadnt been for Mr. Blake
Actually, Andy with an ‘H’ is responsible because of the irresponsible and racist way he set up and conducted the initial pageant. Those people who criticized Torika were definitely racist bigots, but there are legitimate questions to be asked about how such a small minority of Fiji’s population (white + fair kailoma) could make up such a huge majority of the Ms World Fiji contestants. I’m not attacking fair-skinned people in my comments, but rather pointing out that Mr Blake was attacking and erasing dark-skinned people’s existence in the way he set up the pageant to begin with.
And not forgetting how he got Torika in and guaranteed her win even with the knowledge that she was under-aged. Torika said he was very controlling and dishonest. His every move since then should have been analysed in the context of bias and irresponsibility because he reeks of it in his every statement and action.
Cath, I understand how you feel but we must all fight for an inclusionary vision of what constitutes as Fijian so that the country can also present a more inclusionary face to the world. I noticed that at the Olympic opening ceremony, several “black” countries in Africa and the Caribbean had European athletes in their ranks, presumably people like you and me who are citizens of those countries. So this is not just a challenge for Fiji.
This is where I fundamentally disagree with the position taken by Mick Beddoes that i’Taukei should be Fijians and the rest of us Fiji Islanders. The distinction that we all understand at home simply doesn’t translate to the global scene when it comes to presenting a national identity. It’s too confusing, like pronouncing the aborigines as Australians and everyone else as Australian islanders. It’s illogical.
Painful as this transition might be, I think it’s important and will eventually succeed. The i’Taukei now have an appellation that means much more than just a statement of citizenship of place. The very word implies ownership or custodianship of the land. So it bestows more mana on them than the rest of us in a very basic sense as first among equals and the First Fijians.
I think you mustn’t get defensive about this debate, as you seem to be – that it’s bad to rattle the cage and for Fiji’s other races to to go back into hiding like we always have for fear of offending i’Taukei sensibilities. They own most of the land and are the dominant culture. They have nothing to be scared of losing and ought to be a lot more willing to share the name “Fijian” with the rest of us. It’s an English name that means “from Fiji” and – unlike i’Taukei_ has no special meaning at all beyond an identification of place.
And for our part, Europeans or anyone else shouldn’t be mamaqi about demanding that as citizens, we should share fully the rights and obligations of belonging to Fiji, the place, even though we cannot be i’Taukei. Anything else means accepting a level of second class citizenship that is unacceptable. You can’t be equal if you don’t feel equal. And that’s why the Government has simply railroaded through this change because it is a powerful statement of equality.
OML . . . . Sa da mai madua wale!
What the *** is this suppose to mean? o.O
I and my ancestors ain’t no animal ; We are human & God made us unique!
This Owl costume is such a disgrace to the Fijian name!
I would like to give my 2 cent piece about Miss Fiji costume at the Miss World, before I make my point down here I am someone have witnessed International Beauty pageants overseas watching them live in the Bahamas, Vegas and Vietnam.We all have to remember international beauty pageant is about one lucky woman from a country being judge on her ability to promote herself to the world celebrating her Femininity showing her talent and skills and proving to the judges even thou she maybe from the small island nation in the pacific which is invisible to the world that they can compete against the best in the world of pageantry. Most rep were born to be beauty queens the term “beauty queens “speaks for itself they are judge not only on the brain department ,grooming is quite important how you talk the talk and walk the walk. For instance Miss Canada (she is from Iran born in India and raised up in Pakistan and Canada do Canadian complained NOT and Miss Philippines even take classes in Colombia from deportment to catwalk for 6 months before they compete at the Miss Universe and Miss World respectively, teeth is straighten even surgery are part of the package to enhance there looks.
As for Miss Fiji she show’s the world that she doesn’t have to go through those vigorous training to be among the best. She shows the world even she is from Fiji she is proud to be a Fijian showing the world that Fijian Women are beautiful inside out.One most talked about topic is her costume ‘”it is not a culture traditional beauty contest like the Miss South Pacific where you go on to promote your culture to the rest of the pacific so that future generations could benefit /or those born and bread in many countries around the world including Suva “I call them Susu Madrai” proof me wrong no matter how much u promote Fijian culture on a international arena its surely should start from home “parents needs to educate their children about their culture they don’t need to watch it on TV to know there culture ,they have to be born with it. We live in a modern society things will fade away regardless how hard we implement it because we choose to live the modern way many of us “include me “prefer the modern way but we still keep in touch with our culture. I seriously think that we shouldn’t be criticise Koini as she has done the hard job n promoting Fiji’s women can be among the best that is what “Miss World all about “Celebrating Femininity which is moulding them to be good public speaker and voice there opinion on issues facing women’s of today..”eg Miss Jamaica’s former Miss World winner Lisa Hannah is now a Parliamentarian in Jamaica well a former beauty queen i.e. she prove the world she is not just a beautiful face with brain she has what it takes to be recognise that she is just as good as her fellow countrymen in cabinet. I believe we should give credit to Miss Fiji and encourage other young women to be like her to voice their opinion on an international platform we should work hand in hand and help future Miss Fiji.
We also need to consider many factors behind this costume make comparison to other costumes for example if she would have worn the masi in a required design everyone is talking about she would be no where near being picked to perform the dance of the world let alone infront of many thousands people there to watch it live. Also I recalled in one of the comment someone said she doesn’t look Fijian @ all that is pure racism at its best that girl is Fiji born ,raised and educated she is a Fijian.I wish we would think carefully before we right down comments about someone we don’t know.
After reading some of the comment from various journo in Fiji I finally come to terms with how close minded some of them are ‘Micheal Faga ( I believe he is from Mix FM) said there is nothing Fijian enough about her “ that alone is racist towards Miss Vakaloloma.I think some of this Fiji journalist worse then Perez Hilton or Gilian Rancic of E entertainment they report with professionalism and making sure that there don’t insult anyone
Remember we shouldn’t compare what current Miss Fiji ( South Pacific ) winner to Koini Vakaloloma because they both have done there country proud in different format and different platform because Miss World is celebration of beauty and Miss South Pacific is about culture and the pacific we need to do more research before we go on calling people’s name cos its just not right.“I am sure our parents and fore fathers have set the way for us but we have the duty to maintain that dignity in respecting one another regardless of colours and breed we are ONE.I don’t see any different at all from the Buiniga people keep on bragging on about being a true Fijian To represent Fiji to Miss World”).Miss Fiji namely Merewalesi Nailatikau,Alisi Rabukawaqa ,Sera Tikotikovatu and Naziah Ali Miss India ( Fiji) this four girls compete show casing Fijian culture all have straighten hair yet we don’t say anything about them but this four names I have mentioned above have carry the flags of Fiji shining bright at national level and the pacific but Koini has gone one step further in showing the world that her and the 4 other Queens I mentioned earlier are just as equal as her.
Miss Fiji ( Koini Vakaloloma ) girl I hope that you have enjoyed your brief stint at the Miss World stage girl you cannot please everyone every sweet grapes there always be a sour one.You take the experience you have learned and continue to be a proud ambassador for your country in whatever way you could.Each and everyone are born in this world with a gift this was your gift cherish it for the rest of your life this will be in everyone’s memories you will pass it on to your generation…
You are amazing 3 years later lol and saw this. But thanj you so so much for your kind words and wise wisdom. Making top 20 n finalist of beach beauty which fiji still hasnt got to yet to date n top 30 of beauty with a purpose amd to open dances of the world out of 114 countries is an experience I will never ever forget n a wonderful memory I will hold forever. But what I learnt from my experience is to stay strong stay focused and do the best you can and be happy of whatever the outcome is coz quiting is never the answer. Vinaka Aiyaz.
Not once growing up have I seen Fijians dress up as “owls” and perform the meke untill I saw this.
I remember “Andy Blake” trying to justifying himself by saying “it was what we had…so we rolled with it” I hope you weren’t joking.
But honestly you should have rolled with the traditional “masi” cause you ruined our national image to the entire world!!
Here is the truth they went to Ministry of Tourism for advise for national costume and the response they got from them that Fiji doesn’t have a national costume as such cos we multi cultural mmmmm
Andy Blake is a raciest! and ashamed to be a Fijian!!
Andy Blake is a raciest and by the looks of it, ashamed to be a Fijian!!
you have shamed Fiji with your ignorance!!
I’m thinking the costume is a representation of Fiji at the moment under the current administration,
CONFUSED
OK, my original post got deleted, so I’ll post it again minus profanities, and worded in a better way to prevent people from thinking I hate kailomas (which is stupid because I am one).
Andhy Blake is neocolonialist. A modern echo of colonial attitudes. Why do I say this? Because of the racial element to the Ms Fiji pageant. I know he kicked up a big stink about people criticizing Torika for not being Fijian enough (I don’t agree with that assessment), but the underlying problem was that the field of competitors into the pageant was predominantly white and fair-skinned kailomas. There’s nothing wrong with white or fair-skinned people, but my POINT is that Fiji’s population is primarily made up of dark-skinned iTaukei and Indo-Fijian people. The contest’s talent pool in no way reflected the demographics of the country. The fact that Andhy Blake would field a pageant like this suggests he is operating under the colonial attitude that “white is right” and all that jazz.
The further slap in the face delivered by this costume (which represents NO cultural group at all in this country) further solidifies suspicions that he is that old vicious stereotype, a kailoma that “wants to be white”. More specifically, he has internalized racism to such a degree that his “modern and international” brand of Fijian beauty, is a beauty that rejects the dark-skinned ladies that make up the majority of Fiji’s women.
Let me be clear: in no way am I condemning Torika and Koini, two beautiful examples of Fijian womanhood (well, girlhood for Torika), just pointing out how skewed the odds were against a “darker” vision of beauty winning the Ms Fiji title. And further pointing out that this costume furore ties in with the theory that Andhy Blake is anti-Fijian.
…well he got the last laugh…just getting his own back after being slammed for not getting away with that ‘personal choice’ of his..Watters girl..
This blake dude could have asked Manoa Rasigatale for some assistance.
Next time around we should have wider consultation to have the views of people who are well versed in this field.
I think the issue goes back to whoever is responsible for the whole Miss World Fiji recruitment and also the little details. I don’t know how Blake was recruited when it would have done us better to have one of those traditional Fijian designers and cultural experts to be part of the preparation team, then there’s the big question – WHO SIGNED OFF ON THE OWL/CHICKEN COSTUME? Surely somebody had to approve it or is this one of those painful first time experiences that we’ll have to learn from? Heads will roll and guess whose head will go first?
Mickey Baddose says Fijian for natives and Fiji Islander for others.
Just to be clear, my comments are only directed on the costume and NOT the contestant. I take my hat off to Ms. Vakaloloma for taking up the challenge, considering the circumstances under which she came into the position. She did a marvelous job ! However, this is not the Hibiscus festival competition, we’re talking about. This is an INTERNATIONAL competition and we need only the best in terms of everything that we showcase (incl. costumes).
One thing is for sure – a lot more people will know what and where Fiji is; due to the wide publicity that the “CHICKEN/OWL” outfit is generating. Another angle of the story!
The Turkey is the perfect symbol of Bainimarama’s Fiji
In one of the online news today:
“Miss World Fiji search begins in November………..director Andhy Blake said after the auditions and trainings, the finals will be staged in Suva on April 15 to April 20, 2013….
will start receiving applications from interested applicants by November, 2012”.
1. This Andhy bloke says he has got the Franchise for Fiji….Miss world Fiji (MWF)
2. This bloke has already promised Torrika (after the fiasco) that she will represent Fiji in 2013.
Me smells a dead owl here..or maybe its a turkey.
Can this guy be stopped….please somebody……
We can understand when someone has a warped mind, the way he talks and thinks will be warped.
Andy should have entered as this Stupid Owl, instead of Koini Vakaloloma.
Sa vakalolomataki saraga o Queenie.
Someone should BLACKLISTthis idiot from any further National Competition etc etc cos he ochestrated the most stupidest thing that has ever been presented to represent Fiji.
Koini, sometimes you have to be a Wise OWL and say “No!” to Stupid FOwls.
We take out hats off to you for doing your very best.
As for ANDHY BLAKE , please get evaluated at St Giles on your return…
Clothes may hide a FOOL until he opens his mouth.
Its no use crying over spilt milk.
Whinging about colour and creed and who is to be blames and what was their agenda etc etc is a waste of time
Just do something about the ROOT of the OWL DANCE problem.
hamoboy what you have said makes a lot of sense. Many may not really know what actually took place in Fiji when the contest for Miss World took place. But you would think if Andy Blake had any sense he would have looked past all that had happened in Fiji and moved forward! Low and behold he seems to have goofed this contest on the world stage by taking out the ‘stupidity’ award hands down. Just what was he thinking?
I seem to think because of what you have said that the majority contestants in Fiji were not really representative of Fijis diverse ethnic make. Blake must have really wanted to make the contestant, that now won to represent Fiji, look in a bad light? Which would make him say “i told you so”-she wasn’t even up t the mark? Its an opinion but would like Blake to give us a futher expanation of the costume won. Something ain’t right here but this Blake person comes across as an arrogant and “i have things done my way or you watch it” type attitude!
why cant fiji be represented by a fijian girl wearing traditional clothing? i cant understand all the arguments stating rubbish. please take it to the dump.
This is about rep your country and imparting local clothing on the world stage.
the feathered idea does not make sense – headlines for the wrong reasons. what a joke!
the andy pandy dude, needs a good kick where the sun dont shine and he can swim with dakuwaqa.
its not about black n white but about your heritage and portraying the island customes – u cant mix owl with meke, it does not make sense at all, except if u are nikcumpop from the fashion industry and want to make extravangant stupid looking clothing for idiots to talk about. hello! what happenend to keeping it simple? fijian traditional clothing (and no cake on face policy) and dance yes – all the way – the way the world should be.
Don’t be too harsh on her oldboy. She is merely acting out what passes for the Fijian political process these days. It is a veritable Greek tragedy.
She was dressed appropriately to perform the new ‘rooster’ Cibi that Fiji hilariously unleashed on the Scots.
In fact, the next time Fiji play, they should come out dressed like Ms Fiji and just for the chicken routine cibi that they will perform. It’ll add an extra element of ‘passion’ to the plight of Fijian rugby.
Graham,
There was really no need to belittle poor Koini. I think the episode has been blown out of proportion. The girl has represented the country in a major pageant and has done us proud just by being there.
I didn’t expect this from you, Gaham.
“Jukebox”, how can you say that I’ve belittled Koini? I specifically absolve her of of all responsibility and describe her in glowing terms. So how you can make the imputation that you do is beyond me. Read the article. (sigh).
Graham,
I understand you defended her but that after you had said, and I quote you
“Is it a chicken? Is it an owl? Whatever it is, it’s Fiji’s Miss World entrant, Koini Vakaloloma, making a right royal turkey of herself and of her country at the global competition in Mongolia”
The damage was already done in this paragragh, mate.
@ GDuhmm..uhmm…tobo tale o van damme..@#$%^^F*&^%u
This Andy with a h is an embarrasment to all and sundry. He is a gandoo with a capital G.
Peace be with you all
My, my, my, my………… Koini is a very pretty lass,,,,, but just got caught up in Andy’s (with a H) stupidity.
STOP AND(h)Y
How did we miss this!!! Through google, I was able to get this piece from some mongolian paper?? note the date and I have used caps purposely….on the original words
[THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012,
Posted by Economy & Finance at 5:18 PM ( Some Mongolian Economic Scribe)
Fiji in world final
Miss Fiji, Koini Vakaloloma’s national costume and dance, were selected to open the dance of the world segment of the pageant finale next month.
According to a statement, the national costume symbolising the OWL and a special choreographed meke overseen by Miss World Fiji national director Andhy Blake with the help of Pasifika Voices performers will be a highlight of next month’s finals.]
Mark the date…..this appeared on Fiji Live but the above OWL was missed from the local version
[FijiLive
Traditional Fiji costume, dance at Miss World
July 26, 2012 09:24:31 AM
..Blake said this segment of the contest allows carefully selected contestants to display the excitement that showcases the uniqueness of their countries.
And he said with Fiji’s entry, the whole world will take notice of what we can offer on the biggest CREATIVE platform.}
Google Pacifica Voices…will lead you that post….(curiously, I wanted to know who these guys were)
Oh boy somebody hit me…..
STOP ANDhY
https://www.facebook.com/RevokeAndhyBlakeLicense
Whould that idiot wear a costume like that on the worl stage. What was he thinking or was he thinking at all.
Ans why was he allowed to be part of the Fiji contingent after he disgraced and ruined poor Torika Waters and other Fijian girls during that failed pageant he organised.
What bloody Owl represents Fiji he must have been having nightmares of Peruvian owls or birds the night before.
This is a disgrace and shame for lovely Kuini and Fiji as a whole.
AndHy Blaake should be stripped of hi so called Miss universe license or what ever he calls it, banned from ever using Fiji and any of her citizens in any of his pageants in the future and he should be banned from returning to Fiji.
Tourism Fiji, the consumer council and other stake holders should step in now and nip this sort of thing in the bud and this has ruined Fiji on the world stage and perhaps ruined all the great work Tourism Fiji has done and is doing to promote Fiji.
AndHy get another job or get another life.
Kuini, you deserved better and i wish you all the best.
I feel sorry for the poor girl. All these exchange because of poor sense of judgement on the part of those who have been tasked to take responsibility. We, Fijians (which includes all races in Fiji) take pride in the country of our birth.
I guess the lessons learnt here is, “not to make mistakes the next time around” or better still, “we simply can not afford to make mistakes when it comes to representing our country”.
For now fingers are pointing primarily at Andy. Whatever decisions that may have motivated him to come up with such a design is clueless to me and only known to him. In respect to his creativity, I would give Andy some consolation on this, but as far as a motif that represents Fiji I would have reservation. I hope everyone who has a part in this should take these exchange as professional and constructive comments. Cheers.
The question of our national identity…I’ll re-iterate…we dont have one.
We’re obsessed with race in this country. It’s funny how many seem to assume that we CANNOT build a national identity without bringing race into it.
Graham,
Are we gonna discuss about Mick “Turkey” Beddoes and his presentation to the cons.comm yesterday in Nadi?????…he emphasized it as a “personal” presentation…in another forum…..just thinking outside the owl…..thats all
Sick and tired of flaggETERNAL saying we don’t have an identity. We have an identity and you’re just too blind to see it. There is a reason we’re called a kailoma and not a palagi; kailoma’s have itaukei blood!
I highly doubt the minorities would mind too much if the MWF rep would have worn a masi.
And yes, the collective agreement is that Andhy Blake needs to parade in that chicken suit in the next big festival here in Fiji so that he knows what a downright dimwit he is!
I’m gonna sound abit controversial here so apologising in advance if I rattle a few feathers, the miss Fiji world in my opinion deserves to have the most beautiful qualified contestant to represent us on the international stage, why? lets be truthful yes Fiji’s demographics are largely i taukei and indian heritages but the half cast kailoma Fijian are the best looking ones 9 times out of 10 without a doubt.
No need to politicise it by bringing ethnicity to it, its just the way it is, to balance my opinion, lets look at the Fiji rugby sevens team, for years it was made up of i taukei players, now if we’re gonna politicise it we’re gonna ask why aren’t there any indian heritage players since they make up a great part of the population, well the answer is that they’re just not good enough, we need the best to represent us on the international stage and if it means we choose the ethnicity that gives us the best chance than so be it.
I have no problem of having a i’taukei make sevens team, indian make golf team, kailoma(half cast) make beauty contestant team, and all race football team as long as we have the best to represent us, not everything has to be racial guys, we’re all Fijian at the end of the day.
Enough with all this sensitivities maahhhnnn…
Pliz ….can we buy that chicken…how much is it…the boys want a chaser for our grog..it looks yummy…and invites to andy blake to join…we wanna make him eat his own chicken curry pie….or just send us the owl suit and andy— that would do—–we will buy at any cost…
We wont do anything…just that we’ll make him wear that suit……and parade him in town for the festival….after we beat the crap out of him…..bloody nutt