From the editor’s desk :-
Dear Konkani music lovers,
We extend a hearty welcome to your most favourite music column. As we are experiencing a hot and humid climate during the toughest time of the year here in the Gulf, other side of the Arabian Sea, our dear brethren back home at Konkan Coast are enjoying a pleasant chilly monsoon season. At this time of the year, the scenic beauty of Konkan Coast is exotic and idyllic. At this great time its my unique privilege today to play before you yet another pleasant chord.
In my long journey of Konkani Music, though I was deprived of having a close-knit relationship with this great star, yet this renowned musician has succeeded in making a permanent nest in my music heart through his great Konkani hits! Who will ever forget those lovely numbers like – “India”, “Dream Boy”, “Suryo Dhoryak”, “Chinthna” & so on… You might have already guessed the shining star that I am referring to… who is none other than the great star in the Konkan Skies Shri Michael Simon Pereira, fondly known as “Mike Simons”!
Though Mike Simon’s compositions are limited in numbers, they are eternal. Each and every song of his has captured thousands of music loving souls. Undoubtedly, you will really enjoy listening to one of the sweetest chord of your dearest Do..Re..Me..Fa.. music column.
Mike Simon has a strong desire to perform his music talent outside India. I personally urge the Konkani music show organizers in the Gulf to give a platform to him to exhibit his music talent in the Gulf or elsewhere. I am sure you will never be a loser and you will be successful in giving the best to your Konkani Music loving audience!
Chow, and see you next month, same portal and same column. Until then, bye!
Yours in Do..Re..Me..Fa..
Gerry D’Mello, Bendur.
A Shining Star in the Konkan Skies
Mike Simon – The Singing Sensation
Mother Konkani has never been devoid of children who have taken as their lives’ mission to sing her laurels in chiming music and rhyming words. Michael Simon Pereira popularly known as ‘Mike Simon’ is one of those worthy sons of Mother Konkani whose sole desire in life is to sing Konkani songs, capture them in cassettes and CD’s and popularize them among Konkans wherever they reside. Singing is Mike’s passion, his mission and his obsession!
Childhood and Education: -
Michael Simon Pereira was born in Mangalore on 18/2/1952. His parents were (late) John and (late) Agnes Pereira. He was the only darling child of his parents and he had no brother or sister. He had his education at the prestigious Milagres High School, Mangalore. After matriculating, he joined I.T.I., but his interest laid in music! Influenced by (late) Henry T., he learnt musical instruments. Gradually, he started singing and performing on stage.
Later, Mike Simon married Matilda and had two sons Linton and Milton and one daughter Milinda. Currently, he happily resides at Hill Nest, Kankanady, 1st Cross Pumpwell, Mangalore.
Achievements in music: -
With the accompaniment of his musical instruments and with the encouragement of his friends, Michael started composing his own songs in Konkani and now he is proud of a repertoire of his own 200 songs! Besides, he has produced two audiocassettes of his songs that are quite popular in the Konkani Community. Michael has also composed a few songs in Tulu language.
The enterprising streak in his character made him to establish a music group called “Sunlight” in the year 1970. In course of time as the group slowly faded away, he revived the same in 1987 with the new name “Spell Binders”. True t