Doha: Legacy Continues as Wilfy Nite Recreates Magic of Yore
Report: Gladson D'Almeida
Pics: Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Oct 22: The King of Konkani music, Konkann Kogull Wilfy Rebimbus was not just an extraordinary musician but was a Konkani institution himself. It was he who gave a new dimension to Konkani music and put Konkani music on a higher pedestal. His journey from his first composition ‘Bekari’ that was set to the tunes of a popular Hindi number of yesteryears is nothing short of spectacular. However once Wilfy started setting his tunes to his superb lyrics, he gave a new meaning to Konkani music.
So it is almost impossible to imagine Wilfy Nite without the incomparable Wilfy Rebimbus. But the late Konkann Kogull’s better half Meena who had been with him in thick and thin, in the company of her children Veena-Arthur and Vishwas-Charleen proved at the Doha cinema on Friday October 21 evening that they are committed to carry on the legend’s great legacy and provide the Konkani music lovers with total entertainment as Wilfy did for almost half a century continuously. The Rebimbus family had always been Konkani’s ‘First Family’ when complete and meaningful entertainment mattered and they again held on their reputation with great pride by dishing out a sentimental musical tribute to the late Wilfy Rebimbus, the first Wilfy nite abroad after Konkann Kogull’s demise in early 2010.
The nite began with Alfred Cyril Crasta’s documentary presentation on the life and musical journey of the late Wifly Rebimbus prepared by one of Wilfy’s long-standing associates, compere of most of Konkann Kogull’s earliest musical nites and ace actor and playwright Eddie Sequeira.
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The first song of the evening was ‘Parat Eik Paavtim’, an emotional tribute not to a celebrity artiste but to a loving father, composed by Wilfy’s daughter Veena Pais nee Rebimbus. As Vishwas and Veena appeared on stage, the jam-packed audience in the Doha Cinema welcomed them with a round applause. But soon the audience moved into the ‘silent mode’ as touching lyrics of Veena and an equally emotive tune had an extraordinary effect on the gathering.
This was followed by Konkann Myna’s entry to the stage with the moving number ‘Thum Maka Haanv Tuka’. For almost 250 nites, Meena has walked on to the stage along with her illustrious life partner Wilfy but today as she took to stage without him and rendered the song, it was very much visible that she has taken over the baton and will continue the legacy of the Konkann Kogull in the company of her distinguished children Veena and Vishwas.’ It is not a wonder that she has always topped the charts among the best female singers of Konkani horizon. She has a special aura that has the ability to cast a spell on the listeners and she was at her best again in Doha cinema.
Dolla and Wilfy nites are synonyms to each other. The Friday stage was ready and as the opportune moment came, King of Konkanni comdedy Adolphus Cutinho, better known as Dolla Nandigudda arrived and almost immediately sent the audience in peals of laughter.
The next song ‘Fulwali’ presented by Babita Pinto, Charleen Rebimbus, Vishwas and GVOM II Doha semi-finalist Naveen Pinto was the first foot-tapping number of the evening and it was followed by Wilfy’s evergreen composition ‘Chandneachi Rati’ sung melodiously by Veena and GVOM II finalist and Doha’s most-loved voice Sunil Rupert Lobo.
Vanita-Vandana-Shalini is nothing short of a cult song. One of Wilfy’s earliest compositions, this song has always has the audience’s blessing whenever and wherever it is presented. As Vishwas belted this popular number in his melodious voice, the spectators went berserk with applause.
The nite was truly a tribute to the late Wilfy Rebimbus as the troupe led by Veena and Vishwas kept the audience glued to their seats with some of the most popular and foot-tapping numbers. Wilfy had the uncanny knack of bringing in real life into his music with beautiful compositions. ‘Lungi’ is one such composition which is clear evidence to Wilfy’s matchless talent. The famed song was presented by one of Konkani’s finest voices Ivan Sequeira, Vishwas and Rupert. ‘Kaalchea Sopnnanth’ was then presented by Doha’s very own singing couple, Prima Pinto, the first runner’s-up of GVOM II and Navin Pinto . They were ably supported by elegant dancers.
‘Matembor Pangor Dorina’ has special place in the hearts of Konkani music buffs. The song is always considered to be the important link of the chain of Wilfy’s golden hits. The song originally sung by Wilfy and Meena was presented by Vishwas and Babita much to the delight of an appreciative audience. Konkani’s ‘Golden Voice’ Ivan Sequeira who was specially flown in from Mumbai then had the audience in tears with his soulful rendition of one of Wilfy’s greatest compositions ‘Mojha Kudintlea Xirani’.
Being the son of Wilfy Rebimbus is not an easy task. The Konkani music lovers have always had great expectation from Vishwas and he has hardly disappointed the music lovers. While he was always considered to be the proud owner of sonorous voice, of late he has proved his mettle as composer too. Some of his compositions have been part of the 40th volume of Wilfy’s albums. One among these pearls ‘Suknne’ was rendered by Vishwas amidst the thunderous of applause by the full-house weekend crowd that witnessed another well-organized programme by Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA).
‘Kutmache Naanv Sangonaka’ song that narrates the bond between a brother and sister was rendered by Ivan and Babita touching the emotional chords of all the gathered.
The year 2010 will go down in the annals of Konkani world as one of the darkest ones as 7 greatest sons of Konkani Wilfy Rebimbus, Joachim Pereira, Victor Rodrigues, Sunny D’Souza, Percy Urwa, Denis Peris, Shri Giri who served Konkani with distinction left for their heavenly abode. Veena’s beautiful composition ‘2010 Isvi’ that pays rich tributes to these Konkani stalwarts was presented by GVOM II Doha semi-finalists Rupert, Navin, Vincent, Peter, Wilson, Remy, Prima, Pramila, Nina, Jovita, Eva Wilma and Sunita Tellis. They were supported by Kirtan Rodrigues and Namita D’Souza.
Babita Pinto who is blessed with a mellifluous voice and distinct talent stole the hearts of the audience with her superb presentation of ‘Mojem Kalliz Bhullam’. The evening came to an end with ‘Konknni Amchi Bhaas’, Wilfy’s finest tribute to Mother Konkani.
Dolla as usual kept the audience thrilled with his side-splitting comedy while elegant dancers Renita Lobo, Scanzy Alfred, Chris Misquith and Felita Fonseca who were specially flown in from Mangalore entertained the audience with their scintillating dances.
The entire nite was compered by Konkani’s number uno compere Leslie Rego in his usual inimitable style. Leslie brings in a ‘X Factor’ to any show with his mastery over language and skills to manage the audience. He has a special charisma which often leaves the audience spellbound and October 21 evening was no exception as this ‘compere extraordinaire hosted yet another successful programme.
The singers were ably supported by musicians Chandran and Remy D’Souza from Doha, Pitambar, Padmanabhan and Joswin. Wilfy’s partner in his musical journey Pappan was leader of the pack.
Earlier the evening programme began with the rendition of anthem by MCA members led by Vicent-Nina Fernandes. A short stage programme was held thereafter during which the MCA souvenir was released by chief guest of the evening Sanjiv Kohli. MCA’s website www.mcaqatar.com was launched on the same occasion. Sanjiv Kohli, deputy chief of Missions, Indian Embassy Qatar was the chief guest of the evening while Meena Rebimbus was the guest of honour. Sanjiv in his address congratulated the MCA for making efforts in preserving the native culture and traditions through various means in Qatar.
Meena Rebimbus was honoured on the occasion after MCA advisory council member Joe D’Souza had read the citation. MCA patron Felix Lobo, advisory council members Wilfred Fernandes, Jerry Pinto, MCA president Harry Lobo and vice-president Jason Lasrado were also present on the dais.
Harry Lobo welcomed the gathering while Jason Lasrado proposed the vote of thanks. MCA member Mable Fernandes compered the stage programme.
Seashore Group of companies was the main sponsor of the event
All in all it was a wonderful programme and full-house audience proved that there are enough and more people to support Konkani as long as organizers stick to the basics well and dish out quality programmes. But the greatest outcome of the show is that the Konkani-speaking people want the Rebimbus family to continue to walk on the footsteps of the late Wilfy Rebimbus continuing the mission of nurturing and promoting Konkani through music. The journey has begun on a perfect note in Doha and Rebimbus family would surely be mighty pleased with this. As they head to Mumbai for 5 shows during the Diwali holidays, the entire troupe would surely be taking all these positive vibes from Doha and continue entertaining Konkani buffs wherever they go.