From the editor's desk :-

Dear Do..Re..Me..Fa.. browzer,

15th of August is a red-letter day in our Indian calendar. It is a day to remember, cherish and celebrate. It is a day of our National Independence.  On this day the Sun will not set without having a glimpse of the great celebrations in India.  As we have just concluded the celebrations of 56th anniversary of our freedom, I take this opportunity to wish all of you a very happy Independence Day.  I wish each and every citizen of India, a freedom from poverty, illiteracy, social injustice, corruption and a freedom from religious fanaticism.

As we celebrate this great event of our freedom, I set my eyes on the Konkann skies in my regular hunt for a star to present to you in this unique Konkanni portal.  In the midst of few great stars there I can see a bright, twinkling and a rising star.  A star, which has created high tide waves in the Konkanni musical arena.  He is a star hailing from 'Padukone' a tiny place in Kundapura Taluk of Udupi District, but which is intimately connected with great international stars like 'Prakash Padukone' the ex World Badminton Champion and 'Ronald Olivera' the International Award winner for his oratory through 'International Toastmaster's Club'.  This great rising star whom I wish to present to you is none other than the recent winner of prestigious 'Karnataka Konkanni Sahitya Academy Award-2003' - Shri Wilson Olivera.

If you listen to his magnificent voice he sounds like the great father of Konkanni Music 'Konkan Kogul Wilfy Rebimbus'. His lyrics are superb and his music is melodious.  When Shri Wilfy Rebimbus was asked recently during an interview that, who will be his successor in Konkanni Music, the great Konkan Kogul without any hesitation mentioned the name of Shri Wilson Olivera.  This shows what is in store for the Konkanni Music lovers, through this great rising star.

Konkanni Music lovers in the U.A.E. will have a great opportunity to enjoy Wilson's great hits in a live concert on 28th August 2003 at Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai.  Music director for this unique show will be the great orchestra maestro Shri Adrian Gomes from Kuwait and this thrilling show will be compered by none other than the great compere, Internationally acclaimed Toastmaster who is also Wilson's youngest brother Shri Ronald Olivera.  I'm sure this will be a memorable Konkanni show, which will remain in the hearts of Konkanni Music lovers forever.  I take this opportunity to wish  this 'Wilson Nite' in Dubai, a great success and on your behalf I wish a great career to Shri Wilson Olivera in the Konkanni Music field. May this rising star reach to greatest heights of popularity and fame.

I thank you once again dear Do..Re..Me..Fa.. browser for accessing this unique Konkanni Music Column.  Inshallah, we will meet again next month to listen to another beautiful and sweet chord of  Konkanni Music.

Gerry D'Mello

A BRIGHT RISING STAR IN THE KONKAN SKIES "WILSON OLIVERA"

Here is a Konkanni Star in the making.  Rising higher and higher, slow but steady everyday.  His lyrics are selected and meaningful, his compositions are unique and superb, his voice is melodious and captivating.  His love for Konkani is wholehearted and unparalleled.  He is none other than Shri Wilson Olivera from the little known village of Padukone!  Still residing in this village, without the urban facilities and opportunities for a musical career, which are available to a dweller in cities like Mangalore, Bangalore or Mumbai, he has displayed his musical prowess and other diverse talents in a stunning way and has earned his name and enviable fame!&nbs