I had the pleasure of sitting down with General Fiyah and Charlie from Three Houses Down for an insightful chat. We talked about their musical journey, how they've grown into the artists they are today, General Fiyah's latest single, and shared some golden advice for aspiring musicians. Plus, there's a special surprise for their fans—here's a hint: it involves one of the world's top three largest countries! But if you want to know more, keep reading. As Charlie said during our conversation, “You've got to keep on keeping on,” so stick with me, folks— there's more to come!
Lotima Pome'e, better known as General Fiyah, is only 18 years old, but he's already making waves in the music industry. Born and raised in Aotearoa, New Zealand, music runs deep in his veins. His father and uncles form the renowned reggae band Three Houses Down, and it was this familial connection that first sparked his interest in music. He shared that one of his earliest breakthroughs came when he performed “Pass the Dutchie” alongside his family at New Zealand's One Love Festival in 2016. That moment, he says, was the birth of General Fiyah. What started as a dream of following in his family's footsteps quickly became a reality, as he showcased his talent to the world.
But music isn't the only source of inspiration in General Fiyah's life— his grandfather holds a special place in his heart. He shared that his grandpa was the true pioneer, passing down his love for music to his children and grandchildren. For General Fiyah, his grandpa's influence extends beyond music, serving as a role model for life itself.
The story of Three Houses Down itself is one rooted in family. Charlie shared the touching story of how his father, after working 35 years in a factory, invested his redundancy payout into buying the band's first equipment. That leap of faith marked the beginning of their musical journey, and to this day, it's a constant reminder of the sacrifices made for them to pursue their dreams. Charlie spoke about how, as kids, they didn't have much, but music filled their home with joy. “If we didn't have food, we sang. And that was enough.” It's this love for music and family that continues to drive them today, with General Fiyah standing on the strong shoulders of those who came before him.
Three Houses Down's music carries a message. In our conversation, Charlie recounted how back in 2011, the band released “Keep Your Culture,” a song inspired by their global tours, where they saw firsthand the diminishing connection between Pasifika communities and their cultures. The song was a call to action, a reminder to hold fast to your roots. For Three Houses Down, creating music that resonates emotionally and culturally is key. They strive to craft songs that make people feel good, and that everyone can relate to.
The band itself is a melting pot of talent. As Charlie mentioned, there are 10 members, each bringing their own unique style and flavor to the group's sound. If you're new to their music, Charlie recommends starting with “Kanikapila,” a song that showcases their signature sound. Both General Fiyah and I agree— it's a must-listen!
As with any career, the music industry comes with its challenges. For General Fiyah, balancing his music career with school, church, and other activities is no easy feat. But he manages by staying organized and practicing time management— a skill that has become second nature to him at a young age.
On the flip side, Charlie reflected on the band's early days when social media wasn't around. Back then, Three Houses Down had to build their audience the hard way— traveling from town to town, playing for small crowds, sometimes even empty tables. When YouTube and social media took off, it brought a wave of new challenges. Charlie shared how frustrating it was to see viral sensations overshadow years of hard work. But he also saw the potential in these platforms and adapted. Even when facing criticism, particularly from their own community, he learned to focus on staying consistent and true to their music. As he put it,
“Keep on keeping on.”
Charlie also made a point of emphasizing how much easier it is for General Fiyah today. The foundation has been laid, and now it's up to the next generation to build on that. He said something that stuck with me: “As a father, uncle, and mentor, you do things hoping the next generation will do better than you did.” General Fiyah, hearing those words from his uncle, shared how blessed he feels to have such strong support from his family.
When asked about the highlights of their careers, General Fiyah reminisced about his first performance with Three Houses Down at One Love and the time he toured with J Boog at just 12 years old—an experience that solidified his love for performing.
General Fiyah's latest single, “Crazy Cruel,” is a special one. It's a song he recorded eight years ago, and releasing it now feels like the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another. As he grows older, he's entering a new phase of his career, and he's excited for what's to come.
Speaking of new beginnings, the band recently announced that they'll be performing in the U.S. next year! After many requests from fans, they're finally bringing their music across the Pacific. And as Charlie said, they can't come to the States “empty-handed.” They've been in the studio cooking up new music, and they're ready to bring their best to the stage.
Looking ahead, Charlie envisions creating a better path for the next generation of Pasifika artists. Having learned the hard way, he wants to offer guidance and support to those coming up, ensuring they avoid some of the pitfalls of the industry. Meanwhile, General Fiyah hopes to inspire young people like himself, showing them that with hard work and self-belief, anything is possible.
At the core of their journey is family. They are deeply grounded by their love for each other and the values they hold dear. Charlie shared a sweet story about how his own kids look up to General Fiyah as a role model, reinforcing the importance of family in everything they do.
As we wrapped up, I asked Charlie for one piece of advice for emerging artists as he has been in the music game for over 20 years. His response was simple yet powerful: If you're not stepping out of your comfort zone, you're missing the chance to shine.
“Back yourself. Believe in what you have, and go for it. Music is universal, and you can be a light to so many people.”
So, to all the aspiring musicians out there, take Charlie's advice— keep on keeping on. And remember, this journey is meant to be enjoyed. After all, when you love what you do, it never feels like work.
For fun with General Fiyah & Charlie
- If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be? General Fiyah: Michael Jackson or Lucky Dube. Charlie: Damian Marley.
- Favorite Tongan song of all time? General Fiyah: Kalipolina. Charlie: Loka Siliva from the Queen Salote.
- If your personality could be represented by any emoji which emoji would it be? General Fiyah: 😎. Charlie: 🤦🏽.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, November 2024 (Vol. 1 No. 7).
November 2024 · Digital Magazine
