“We may not be able to change the mindset of a few adults but we have so much hope in the future with our young ones” – Apakuki Nalawa, InsideOut.
Since forming a brotherhood of friendships in their school days, local Fijian band InsideOut will always treasure their days as school students.
Now having established themselves as one of Fiji’s top music groups, the band return back to where it began, Marist Brothers Primary School in Suva only, this time, with a deeper message to spread through their music.
The group have officially launched their ‘Say No to Drugs’ campaign holding performances and talks to youth to raise awareness of Fiji’s growing drug problem.
And it’s a message that’s going to all schools across the country.
“What started off as a token of appreciation towards our former school turned into something much bigger,” lead singer Apakuki Nalawa says.
“The institution that formed us by default sparked the flame once again to advocate the fight against drugs, an issue that our beloved country is battling at the moment.
“We’ve seen the shift in our following, attracting youths, young kids. We saw this as an opportunity to not only gain more young followers but importantly using our influence to encourage young ones to make wise decisions, lifestyle choices and also saying NO to Drugs.”
The increase in drug related problems in Fiji has skyrocketed in the last two years. In 2024, the country recorded its largest ever drug bust, seizing more than 4 tonnes of meth, estimated at $1.37 billion in value.
State Prosecutor John Rabuku said in a statement that Fiji is an “emerging hub for transnational drug trafficking and organised crime networks across the Pacific”.
It’s these worrying signs that have prompted InsideOut to pinpoint their message toward the youth. They believe that if they can target schools, there is hope for a change in the near future.
And being able to use their musical talents as a vessel for their campaign is something they are proud of.
“The kids are our future. We may not be able to change the mindset of a few adults but we have so much hope in the future with our young ones. We feel more blessed to possess the gifts and talents we have and it’s just right that we share this gift with Fiji and the world by spreading positivity and good energy,” Apakuki says.
“Positive signs for our music industry as well as our society as a whole. We’ve taken Fiji music to new heights not only with the sound but also on how the public see musicians as professionals.
“Our kids are our future as I mentioned above and to see that we’re making an impact on their lives gives us much hope for a brighter future.”
