06/08/2025
🎶In Loving Memory of Joseph Daniel Whippy🎶
🎚️🥁 Producer • Engineer • Session Drummer 🎚️
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Joseph Daniel Whippy, a cherished member of the Island Vibe Records family and a quiet giant in Fiji’s evolving music scene.
From 2017 to 2019, Joseph served Island Vibe Records in many roles — session engineer, mix engineer, producer, and drummer — pouring his heart into every beat, take, and mix. His unmatched dedication and talent helped shape the sound of Island Vibe Records (Oceania)
Under the guidance of Mike Reymond and Ken Williams, Joseph rose through the ranks to lead major recording projects. One of his most notable achievements was producing and engineering the Rootstrata Revibe album titled “Brother Kanaky.” He spent two intense weeks tracking live sessions with the band and later took on editing, pre production duties -blending raw island sound with studio finesse.
Joseph also worked closely with Glass Ally on their early recordings — a groundbreaking moment, as their music became one of the first local rock songs to air on local radio, marking a shift in Fiji’s musical landscape.
A defining moment in his career was his work as producer and recording engineer on the landmark Native Brew Compilation Album Vol. 1, a groundbreaking Fiji rock-themed music project.
In addition to rock, roots, and reggae, Joseph also adapted to rhythm and blues, working with Blue Vein, a local blues outfit from Suva. Just goes to show how versatile and adaptive his resume truly was — he could step into any genre and bring something authentic and powerful.
Joseph was also a gifted drummer, lending his rhythmic soul to iconic tracks such as:
"Runaway Train" – Overhead Meltdown
"Au Mai Tu" and "Heartbeat" feat. Michelle – Street Anthem
"Wea" – Klote Larry feat. Maria
"Chelsea Girl" – Stewmac & Friends
His artistry lives on in these recordings and in the hearts of all who heard or worked with him.
Joseph is survived by his beloved wife Bernadette, and his beautiful children Violet, Jazzmae, Jahriah, Joseph Jr., and Alathia. To them, and to his extended family, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers.
Vinaka vakalevu, Joseph.
Your hands shaped the sound of our stories. Your heartbeat still echoes in every track you touched. You will never be forgotten.
🕊️ Rest in love and rhythm.
