New Delhi, July 24 -- Popular Fijian-Hawaii recording artist, George Brooks Veikoso aka Fiji, passed away on Wednesday. The highly regarded artist took his last breath in Fiji while he was surrounded by his family members, as per Hawaii News Now. He was reportedly 55.

Reacting to the news of Fiji's death, American singer, musician Kimie Miner expressed her shock. The Hawaiian news portal quoted her saying: "(His passing) really hurt me because it just felt like I couldn't call on my mentor anymore, and he's not there anymore."

"It made me so sad to know that he's gone, but his legacy is so big that I know his legacy will carry on forever," she added.

Miner called Veikoso a mentor to the artists of her generation.

"He's so special and ...