Legend Remembered: Rich Musical Tributes Showered on Wilfy
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
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Mangalore, Apr 24: The much-awaited musical evening, dedicated to Konkani singing legend Wilfy Rebimbus lived up to the tremendous expectations and interest it had generated among Konkani music aficionados all over the coastal districts.
On Sunday April 24, Wilfy's fans from across the twin districts and abroad, flocked to Town Hall well ahead of the scheduled start to be treated to a fabulous evening of music.
The event began on the dot at 5.30 pm, with a felicitation ceremony. Bishop Rt Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza presided over the programme. Three eminent personalities from the Gulf - Felix Lobo, Doha, Leo Rodrigues, Abu Dhabi, and Lawrence Pinto, Kuwait - were the guests of honour. Meena Rebimbus was also present on the dais.
Leslie Rego, convener of United Youngster and master compere, began the proceedings of the evening by welcoming the gathering and introducing the guests.
Felix Lobo, Leo Rodrigues and Lawrence Pinto were honoured by the Rebimbus family and United Youngsters. Bishop Aloysius presented them with fruits, mementos, flowers and shawls.
Acknowledging the felicitation, all three personalities recalled their association with the late Wilfy Rebimbus and assured their continued support to Rebimbus family in the future too.
In his presidential address, Bishop Aloysius hailed Wilfy as a great human being. "Wilfy was a great personality, and indeed he was great poet, composer and singer. He is remembered specially by our community, his fans," he said, paying rich tributes to Konkani Kogull.
"Love for Konkani was ever flowing in his heart. He was never tired of serving the Konkani language and culture and he did so until his last breath," he said.
Bishop Aloysius also recalled visiting Wilfy during his last days. He praised Wilfy Rebimbus the lyricist, specially refering to the sentimentality in his songs dedicated to Bhopal Gas Tragedy, and other natural and man-made disasters. "If he had been alive, there would have been wonderful lyrics by him on Mangalore air crash and Japan tsunami too," he added.
The much-awaited Wilfy's Vol No 41 (Tum Maka - Haav Tuka) was released by Felix Lobo.
The event also witnessed the release of short story book penned by Wilfy Rebimbus, titled 'Kaani Santha Kogul' by Leo Rodrigues.
Rebimbus Family's new venture 'Rebimbus Creations', initiated by Vishwas and Charleen Rebimbus, was inaugurated by Lawrence Pinto.
There was a visual presentation of memorable photographs and clips by United Youngsters on Wilfy Rebimbus, accompanied by a beautiful narration by Dolla.
Arthur Pais proposed the vote of thanks.
The musical show began with a brief introduction by Leslie Rego, followed by a rendition of "Vorsa Sampon Gelem Daddy Tuje Vinem... Vedi hi Sazlya tuka Porath ek pavtim..." by Veena Rebimbus with her own lyrics as a tribute to her beloved father Wilfy Rebimbus.
Meena Rebimbus was given a thunderous welcome when she took the stage after a gap of several months to present her song "Uthar delem tuka Eka Bhagi deesa..Tum Maka, Haav Tuka", penned by Wilfy Rebimbus.
Vishwas Rebimbus entered the show with his sentimental song "Hav Axetha, moje Adhle Dees, Daddy tuje sanghi Have Sarle dhees...", penned by him as a tribute to his father.
Prem Kumar, Ivan Sequeira and Claud D'Souza, who had been inseparable parts of Wilfy Nites, presented "Mogacho Baandh Saasnacho..."
Charleen Rebimbus and Munita Veigas rendered "Taun, Taun, Taun Zatat Vora..' a duet, while Babitha sang 'Air India Express', a song in memory of the victims of Mangalore Air Crash of May 22, 2010.
Vishwas and Veena pledged, "With your support, we will continue Dad's mission..." through the song 'Upkari Kalzan'.
In all, 13 songs and a medley were presented. All of them were slow and sentimental songs and were a fitting tribute to the legend.
As Wilfy's fans are aware, he was also one of the great playwrights of our time. Scenes from his top three plays 'K D Bona BA", "Mai Maka Adainaka" and "Tisri Cheet" were presented by seasoned actors, including Leslie Rego, Aloysius D'Souza, Dolfy Saldanha and Prima. The actors as well as the dialogues highlighted the richness of Wilfy's pen.
Mangalore's well-known artist Ganesh Somayaji in a special tribute painted Wilfy's portrait, during the last medley presented by the troupe. The painting was then presented to Meena Rebimbus.
Leslie Rego was as usual superb at the helm. He moderated the show, involving himself fully in the proceedings. He has been a member of United Youngsters for the last 23 years, and this was a fitting opportunity to pay his tributes to his mentor Wilfy.
The event was streamed live on daijiworld.com and it received tremendous response from viewers around the globe.