Gerry D’Mello
Daijiworld Media Network, Toronto
Toronto, Oct 11: Radio Mango’s first worldwide singing contest, held to commemorate its 10th year anniversary, attracted talent from all over the world, making it a huge success.
Agnelo Fernandes from Calangute won the first prize, for his rendition of his original song ‘Mog Calangute Praier’. Monica Fernandes from Merces was the first runner-up. She sang her original composition ‘Louis Tailor’, which is dedicated to her dad. Ethan Pinto (beloved 13-year-old son of Konkani celebrities Ashith and Babita Pinto) was the second runner-up for the song ‘Sopnam’. Over 50 singers across the globe participated. Three judges, renowned musicians and singers themselves, judged the entries for the 3 top prizes. Agnelo won $500 (Canadian) sponsored by Reynold Sequeira of Remax Realty Specialists Inc and Romeo Jack Barbosa of Green Pi. Monica won the second prize of $300, sponsored by Max Mendes Group Real Estate Consulting and Investments. Ethan Pinto walked away with $200, the third prize, sponsored by Flavian Pinto of Sunlife.
Clockwise from top: Agnelo Fernandes, Monica Fernandes, Ethan Pinto, Wilson D’Souza and Sonia Monteiro
Milena - Brain & Brawn of Radio Mango
The crystal trophy
All three also won stunning crystal trophies, sponsored by Mario Martins of 3 Way International Logistics Inc.
Separately, awards were given to the 2 top winners among Canadian participants. A spice-filled hamper, donated by Noel D’Souza of Goan Spices was won by Mothiyam So’r fame Sonia Monteiro who took top honours, and Konkani TV Canada fame Wilson D’Souza won 2 Amazon gift cards, donated by Cynthia Gomes James for next honour.
The contest was open to all Konkani singers, of any age, from around the globe.
Mary Philomena Colaso from Loutulim was awarded the Special Jury Award, sponsored by Reynold Sequeira, who was also one of the judges. He was amazed and inspired by the 82-year-old’s enthusiasm and singing prowess. The youngest participant was 7-year-old Zach Pinto (beloved son of Konkani celebrities Ashith and Babita Pinto) from Canada.
The Global Konkani Idol contest marked Radio Mango’s decade-long journey. It is a not-for-profit venture, run by Goan Milena Marques-Zachariah. A passion project, she took it from live radio to a podcast, to reach more listeners across the globe.
“The aim was to provide a global platform to showcase the talent of Konkani artistes from Goa and Mangaluru, plus the Konkani diaspora spread all over the world. This contest created a buzz and interest beyond my expectations”, says Milena Marques-Zachariah.
Radio Mango is unique because it was created for the Mangalurean and Goan diaspora, spread across the globe. The name MANGO is a contraction of Mangalurean and Goan. True to its name, Radio Mango’s unique format caters to both these communities. The Global Konkani Idol contest had equal representation from both communities.
The Radio Mango podcast is available every Saturday evening. One can listen to this entertaining podcast on www.radiomango.ca.