Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Dec 11: It was an evening that celebrated Konkani music, as some of the most talented names in the industry were honoured with the 9th Global Konkani Music Awards instituted by Mandd Sobhann. The sparkling ceremony was held at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar here on Sunday December 10 evening.

The star of the evening was internationally acclaimed singer, actress, composer, and song writer Vasundhara Das. In her address to the gathering, she said, "This is gathering of music lovers and musical family. I feel music is dominating here and all are enjoying it. Mangaluru has always been special for me. Whenever I come here I feel it is my own place. I have also sung in Konkani language and I know about its people. I congratulate all the nominees and the award winners. These awards will give you more energy and will make you more passionate about music."

The Mandd Sobhann Global Konkani Music - Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on 'Sangeeth Samrat' Henry D'Souza for his immense contribution to Konkani music.

Acknowledging the honour, Henry D'Souza thanked one and all for the love and affection showered on him. "This is really a great honour. I have composed music and written lyrics for the Konkani world and today, the same Konkani people have given me a global award which is the biggest in Konkani. Mandd Sobhann under the leadership of Eric Ozario is really doing great work for Konkani language and culture. They need our support, especially in their upcoming projects. Once again, I thank Mandd Sobhann and the entire Konkani world.

It was then time for the presentation of the Global Konkani Music Awards in six categories. There were three nominees in each of the categories, and all of them were honoured by chief guest of the evening Vasundara Das.

The Best Singer (Female) award went to Shilpa Tejaswini Cutinha, for the song ‘Tujya Dollyanthuli’ from album ‘O..La..Re..” while Robin John Paul Sequeira won the award for the Best Singer (Male) for the song ‘Tum Zay Mhaka’ of album ‘O..La..Re .

Nithin Koottungal, Cochin bagged the Best Music Composer award for the song ‘Tum Geloy Sanddun’ of ‘O..La..Re..’.

Lloyd Austin Rego was adjudged the Best Lyricist for the song ‘Yo Vegim’ of album ‘Mhojya Moga’.

The Best Music Arranger Award was conferred on Roshan D'Souza Angelore, and the Best Music Album award was won by Antony Stephen Cutinha for his album ‘O…La..Re’.

In her thanksgiving speech, Shilpa expressed her gratitude to all supporters and said that this was her second Konkani music award. She thanked the listeners, music arrangers, and her family for supporting her. Robin thanked his family for their support and producer of the album for giving him the opportunity.

Lawry Travasso from Goa enthralled the gathering with his stupendous band, accompanied by Nach Sobhann troupe who presented scintillating dances.

Blue Angels choir group and 'Sumel' team sang beautiful songs from the nominated albums and Henry D'Souza's albums.

In a new initiative to promote Konkani film industry, Maand Sobhann announced 'Global Konkani Film Awards’ which will be conferred from next year onwards. The organization also informed that in future, the Global Konkani Music Awards will be announced every two years.

Arun Raj and Amora Monteiro compered the event with elan.

Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario, president Louis J Pinto, organizer Stany Alvares, Roy Castelino and other well-known personalities of the Konkani world were present.

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