MAIKELI Radua, the radio mogul was given an unerring respect at the HFC Stadium.
A minute of silence was observed before the Fijian Drua and Crusades Super Rugby Pacific game on Saturday.
The Viti FM, host passed away last weekend in a tragic road accident in Suva.
Maikeli’s sight on a Jumbotron evoked fond memories of the man whose soundbites were a source of entertainment for i-Taukei listeners in the country and around the globe.
It was a fitting tribute to the career broadcaster who touched the lives of ordinary, young, and old, including sports personalities and politicians.
Maikeli’s charm, witty and vivacious nature had the country embrace the Waikete Villager, who was coined as the heartbeat of the nation.
Dr. Ponipate Rokolekutu, a resident of San Francisco, USA, paid a hearty tribute.
In a social media post shared in the hundreds, Rokolekutu of all things walked through Maikeli’s suave given the situation.
“No tribute to Maikeli would be complete without mentioning his legendary humour. A master of mischief on the microphone, he kept Fiji laughing for decades,” he said.
“But perhaps the most iconic moment of all was the day the joke turned on the now-famous “Suva Apartment” prank.
“After forgetting his phone at the station, Maikeli called it using his wife’s phone, only to have his young colleague Samu answer and impersonate an Indo-Fijian apartment manager. What followed was a side-splitting conversation accusing Maikeli of visiting the apartment with a (guest) and leaving his phone behind.
“For once, the mischief-maker was the one caught off guard-and his bewildered silence followed by roaring laughter reminded us that Maikeli was not just funny-he was humble enough to laugh at himself. That story still circulates today, making new listeners laugh just as much as those who heard it live.”
Eroni Bale who had been an ardent fan of Maikeli shed a few tears as the crowd observed silence in respect to Maikeli.
“We lost to Crusaders, but today my naita won, he won because he was an institution, a man of immense love, he was the radio in all essence.”
“They come any better, end of an era.
“Voice away in eternal sleep, you got great company, till that glorious morning.”
Bale said fans and followers of Maikeli are in the mourning across the country for the man-moutain he was.
“The departed wasn’t a rugger, politician or someone popular because of power of position but a simple man who made a difference through his voice.
“Maikeli didn’t wear a Viti FM lapel on his garb, but a pure heart under it filled with love and compassion.
“A good 30 years in the broadcast industry with excellence. RIP.”
Anand Kishore, a Canadian who is abreast with the i-Taukei language said if only one understood the language would know what Maikeli was all about.
“I loved his stories, some storytelling, a man with a great sense of humour, they just don’t come any better.”
Hundreds paid their final respect to Maikeli during a solume funeral ceremony in his village and thousands viewed it on Viti FM Facebook live.
