Kalashree Claud Dsouza Set for his Second Show in Canada
Gerry D’Mello Bendur
Daijiworld Media Network, Canada.

Canada, Apr 28: After a long and patient wait by the Konkani music lovers in Canada, the great composer/singer and a multi-faceted hero of Konkani music and songs "Konkan Kala-Shree Claud D’Souza" landed in Canada last night for his record breaking second performance in North America!  He is the only Konkani artiste to date, flown in from India to perform a Konkani Musical Show for the second time on Canadian soil!  The conqueror of a song lover’s heart Claud D’Souza is the star attraction for the ‘Canara Kalasaanz-2011’ program staged at the ‘Port Credit Secondary School Auditorium’ in Mississauga, Canada on Saturday, 7th May 2011.  

The renowned Baila-King Claud, a rare jewel of Konkani music, is a captivating stage singer.  He has won a huge crowd of fans for himself and is Mangalore’s Craze among the Konkani community there.  His musical performances have been local, national and international.  He has conducted more than 200 shows around different places in India & abroad. 

Claud D’Souza was received at the Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto by the members of Canara Kalasaanz-2011 organizing committee led by Max Mendes, the President of CWF, who is also the main sponsor of the event.  Upon his arrival representing www.daijiworld.com – I had the unique opportunity to engage him in an informal conversation.  Here are some excerpts:

Q:   Claud, how did it feel landing in Canada for the second time?

A:   Wonderful.  I feel that it’s a life time achievement.  It is as if I have landed on the moon.  For any Konkani artiste coming to Canada, it is really a big achievement and I got this unique opportunity to perform for the second time.  I thank Canara World Foundation especially Max Mendes and Flavian Pinto for all their efforts and hard work in making my dream a reality. 

Q:  Canada is excited to watch you live on stage for the second time.  What have you planned to cool-down their excitement?

A: I am going to sing most of my new compositions from the bottom of my heart so that the audience will cherish the memories of a life time.  I am very confident that I will fulfill my aim.  My only desire is to make the crowd happy.  I have composed a special song for the event and wish to dedicate this song for Canadian Konkani Music lovers.

Q:  I am quite sure that performing in North America for the second time has been your dream.  What are your feelings when your dream has become a reality now?

A. This visit was on the top of my list ever since I performed here three years back.  But I have come here now and am really elated and happy.  Once again, I am thankful to all the Mangaloreans and Goans residing in Canada who eagerly wait to see me and hear me once again.   I will remain grateful to the organizers forever.

Q:  It’s a bitter truth that today’s new generation is losing interest in Konkani Music.  Being a seasoned Konkani Musician could you please tell me; is it a serious threat for Konkani Music at large?

A:  It’s truly a bitter truth.  Today’s generation prefers modernized music. Any music is fine as long as it is rooted in our language culture.  The present generation is more used to speaking English rather than Konkani. Also it depends on how the parents teach their children about the Konkani language and culture. People who have gone to the Gulf have kept the Konkani culture more alive than in other places. This gives a greater fulfillment to the artistes. The youth are losing interest in Konkani music because they are attracted to other entertainment such as English music.

Q:  A year back Konkani lost father of Konkani Music Konkan Kogull Wilfy Rebimbus.  Do you think the vacuum created due to his demise will be ever filled?

A: Yes, this loss can never be filled.  The loss incurred for Konkani Music due to his demise is immeasurable.  I was so fortunate to be associated with him for over two decades.  Those great moments I relish everyday!

Q:   What is your message to your fans in Canada?

A:  I have landed in Canada to quench the thirst of my fans for my songs.  I am fully committed in my mission.  Surely every Mangalorean & Goan will attend my show with great aspiration.  Believe me; I will never let them down.

Max Mendes, the dynamic President of Canara World Foundation Inc. (CWF), informed ‘Team Daijiworld Canada that - “We are extremely excited and proud to host such a unique music show in Canada with Claud’s singing for the second time that will surely create history in Canada. His second performance will open a new door to an exciting entertainment arena in Canada. This event will give a great opportunity for Konkani Music amateurs to showcase their ability. The members of the organizing committee have worked very hard to plan this magnificent event”.  He was highlighting the program details of ‘Kalasaanz’, an event that Canara World Foundation presents every year to showcase the talents of Canarite immigrants in Canada.  

After the thrilling success of ‘Wilfy Nite’ in 2005, 'Claud Nite' in 2008, 'Henry Nite' in 2009, 'Melwyn Peris Nite in 2010, this year’s Canara Kalasaanz-2011 with Claud D’Souza too is going to attract Konkani music lovers in big numbers.

Konkani music lovers in Canada are highly privileged to have in their midst Kala Shree Claud for the second time and talented local artistes at the gala show to be held on May 07, 2011 from 1.00 pm onwards at the ‘Port Credit Secondary School Auditorium’. Konkani's second to none in Canada Oliver Sequeira will be the Music Director and incredible musician Tony Pinto of 'Amchem Noxib' and 'Nirmon' movie fame will be on keyboard.  Popular compere Donald Alva will compere this unique show.  In addition, Canada's 'Comedy King' Flavian Pinto is all set with his rib-tickling jokes to send the audience to peels of laughter.  This music extravaganza is going to attract Konkani music lovers in large numbers and undoubtedly will be a historical show.