News: Gasper Crasto
Kuwait, Jan 16: Her determination is to inspire indigenous orphans; she takes every opportunity to amplify her voice towards the downtrodden and helps in the cause.
Sheena Gracias is an orphan brought up at Lar de Santa Terezinha Orphanage, Pajifond, Margao, Goa.
Gifted with an in-built quality to sing, Sheena made her way up the singing world and is now a regular performer on professional Konkani stage. She also features in choir singing and operas.
Sheena's story: The beginning
Sheena’s story began when she was in the 6th grade, just 11 years old, at St Joseph High School, Nagoa Verna.
Her talent in singing was noticed by her teachers and received great encouragement to carry on. Since then, there was no looking back for the talented girl as everyone encouraged her to sing.
Sheena’s story is on the rise today because of the backing by her mentors, friends and priests who encouraged her to take up singing.
She is all praise for Fr Peter Cardozo who encouraged her on the way.
“In 2009, he gave me an opportunity to sing for his choir and then the opera. He also helped to train me in my voice modulation,” recalls Sheena.
She made it to the finals of All Goa Singing Competition and has been performing in front of huge audiences ever since.
Sheena Gracias - Early years
She is all praise to the Carmelite priests, Margao, in-charge of the Lar de Santa Terezinha orphanage, who encouraged her all through.
“Both former director of Lar de Santa Terezinha Orphanage, Fr Alvito Fernandes and Fr Archie Gonsalves allowed me to sing and showcase my talent in Goa as well as abroad.”
Sheena got to sing for a Goan beat-group band 'Genesis' and perform with them in Dubai.
Sheena's popular videos
The talented girl has done playback singing/acting for Konkani, Hindi as well as Marati albums.
Some of her popular videos on YouTube are:
Oh Maria - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgceto4LShs
Tum - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POAEVommD2Q
AeiDil- Kallali Mala - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwTHszuqyKo
Phone Etoch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITwXUJqN20Q
In 2019, Sheena was part of Sammy Tavares’ troupe for the hit drama ‘BhurgimKiteakSozmonat’ which was staged in the Gulf, Europe and USA; Sheena sang the opening chorus of the drama and a duet with superstar Lawry Travasso apart from a cameo.
She is also seen in Samuel Carvalho’s video film.
Currently, Sheena is singing for Lawry Travasso’s drama ‘Porot Mogan Podd’ and preparing for Franky Gonsalves drama ‘Lion King’. She will also be part of Lawry Travasso’s Lenten production.
There is no looking back. That is the story so far.
Current status
‘I surround myself with good people who make me feel great and give me positive energy,’ is one of Sheena’s status on her Facebook Timeline.
She teaches music at the same school that she learnt at- St Joseph High School, Nagoa, Verna. She is also a skin care beautician and caters to clients all over Goa.
Achievements
• A finalist of Goencho Avaz- 2016
• A finalist of Nightingale of Goa - 2017
• Completed 5th grade in vocals, Trinity College of Music, London with distinction 2018
• Completed first grade in keyboard from Trinity College of Music, London
Watch out for the star
See the star at his best in a star-studded 4K mega Konkani ‘Ami Goenkar’ presented by dynamic Goan writer-director, Fidelis Fernandes scheduled to take place on February 21 at the luxurious Khaldiya University auditorium.
Mangalurean film actress and entertainer Ester Noronha, will be one of the major attractions of the show.
Iconic superstars of Konkani stage booked to entertain are Lawry Travasso, Seby de Divar, comedian Agostinho Temudo, comedian Janet, comedian Domnic and comedian Ben Evangelisto.
Popular and upcoming artistes that will also don the stage include Goa’s global superstar Sanio Fernandes, Everleigh Mascarenhas, Slenzitta D’Cruz, Elaine Pinto, Frenzie Vito Rodrigues, Fernandes, Stacey Mesquita and Sheena Gracias.
A select cast of Kuwait-based artistes Balthazar Pontes, Seby Mascarenhas, Seby D’Silva, Clemmie Almeida, Esparansa and Gasper Crasto will make the team.