Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Sep 25: For years, Mangaluru has been the heart of Konkani music, hosting countless concerts and drawing artists to perform for enthusiastic city crowds. But while performers were regularly invited to "come in large numbers, come and watch," a significant section of the Konkani community — those living in rural areas — found it nearly impossible to be part of that audience. Long distances, the lack of transport after dark, elderly parents, young children at home — for many, travelling to the city for a concert remained just a dream, however much they loved the music.

And yet, this was the very audience that had nurtured these artists all along — the people who listened to their songs on cassettes, then CDs, then pen drives, and now on YouTube and television; who followed every performance, sent their appreciation, and quietly wished they could one day see these singers with their own eyes, up close, live.

It was out of gratitude to that loyal, distant audience that the idea of 'Aamger' ('At Our Home') was born — a reverse journey for Konkani music, where instead of asking people to come to the artists, the artists go to the people.

The concept

Under the 'Aamger' initiative, a group of Konkani musicians travels directly to people's homes and courtyards, performing live for families, neighbours, elders, and residents of the ward — no stage, no ticket, no formality. Local artists are welcomed to sing alongside the visiting performers. The organising team handles all sound and lighting arrangements themselves, and importantly, they accept no fee, no hospitality, no food — nothing in return. Audiences are welcome to simply gather wherever is comfortable: a verandah, a bench, a mat, or even a swing — the entire programme is designed around this informal, homely warmth. It is, in the truest sense, a labour of love — a musical gift from the artists back to the people who have supported them for so long.

A successful beginning — Shirthadi

The very first event in this chain was held on February 28 this year, at the residence of Joachim Saldanha in Shirthadi, with Daijiworld Media supporting the promotion.

The evening turned out to be everything its organisers, along with Sanjay Rodrigues, had envisioned. For a large section of the audience that gathered, it was their very first live Konkani music evening — people who, because of distance, unavailability of transport, advancing age, or young children, had never before had the chance to attend a Konkani concert in the city, despite knowing every artist and every song by heart through cassettes, CDs, pen drives, and YouTube.

The artists of that first evening — Robin Sequeira, Joshal D'Souza, Raina Sequeira, and Jason Lobo — barely had time to set foot in Joachim Saldanha's house before they were embraced by an overwhelming welcome. People rushed to meet them, took selfies wherever they got the chance, and proudly showed off photographs of the artists they had already saved on their phones. For many, seeing their favourite singers perform live, just a few feet away, was a joy overflowing beyond words. Few of them had ever imagined that artists they loved from afar would one day travel kilometres from Mangaluru to reach their own village doorstep.

For an hour and a half, the team sang evergreen Konkani classics. Sanjay Rodrigues delivered an outstanding musical performance, with technical support provided by the Daijiworld team, while the audience joined in singing along. The evening closed with everyone coming together for a joyous baila dance. The artists themselves were visibly moved by the warmth of the welcome they received. Special mention was made during the event of the late William Pinto of Shirthadi, remembered fondly for his knowledge of law that had once taken him to every village and parish in the region, as well as Shirthadi's own singer Karen Crasta, who joined the team for the baila session, and young community leader Jason Pereira, who received special recognition. By the end, as the gathered crowd shared their heartfelt reactions, the artists' hearts were full too — the genuine appreciation the team received for performing selflessly, at their own expense, with no financial motive, was itself the highest reward.

In short, 'Aamger' had found a resounding and successful start. If, despite inviting the community to the city again and again, those who simply cannot make the journey are never given this much in return, then in some sense, artists would be failing their own community. 'Aamger' was born from that very thought — a different way of giving back.

Now, Aamger comes to Barkur

Continuing this heartfelt journey, the next edition of ‘Aamger’ will take place on Sunday, September 27, at the residence of Shaila and Herald D’Souza in Nagarmut, Barkur.

The evening promises a soulful blend of classic and contemporary Konkani melodies, performed by talented vocalists Joshal D’Souza, Zeena Pereira, Jason Lobo, Ronald Nazareth, Verna D’Souza, Samuel Lewis, and Neel Casmith.

Sanjay Rodrigues will lead the music department, joined by Konkani guitar maestro Roshan Crasta Bela. The evening will be curated and hosted by Stany Bela.

The picturesque venue sits on the banks of the river Sitha, promising a stunning backdrop as the sun sets over a colourful evening sky — the perfect setting for an evening of music and warm conversation among family, friends, and neighbours.

The people of Barkur and its surrounding villages are warmly invited to come together for this free, informal evening — no tickets, no formalities, just music brought straight to their doorstep, in true 'Aamger' spirit.