Mangalore: 250th Wilfy Nite Takes Music Fans Down Memory Lane
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)
Mangalore, Dec 24: The TMA Pai Auditorium in the city filled with nostalgia of the legendary singer Konkan Kogull, the late Wilfy Rebimbus, as his popular songs reverberated during the landmark 250th Wilfy Nite presented by his family on Sunday December 23.
The packed audience at the venue was treated to a plethora of evergreen melodies penned by the legend, together with new songs composed by Meena and Vishwas Rebimbus. Apart from the musical extravaganza, the evening consisted of felicitations, album and book releases and a host of spectacular dances, all coordinated and organized to perfection.
The musical nite began with the grand entry of host for the evening, ace compere Leslie Rego who paid a rich and fitting tribute to Wilfy Rebimbus. Accompanied by the beat of music and stunning lights, the show kicked-off with a beautiful powerpoint presentation of one of Wilfy's poems.
Konkan Myna Meena Rebimbus, Vishwas, Veena along with a host of other well-known singers including Prem Kumar, Ivan Sequeira, Babitha Pinto, Claude D'Souza, Alwyn Pais, Babitha D'Sa who made a comeback after a gap of several years, Prajoth D'Sa, Munita Veigas, Shalon and Anna took the audience down the memory lane and recreated the magic of Wilfy's compositions.
Songs like 'Mayi Bashe Mujya...', 'Kuhu Kuhu Korn Gayi, Kogule..', 'Chaar Disancho Sonsar....' and 'Amche Bus Re...' and many others enchanted the listeners.
Dolla and Memori (Mellu, Moras and Richa) along with compere Leslie added a generous dose of humour to the occasion with their entertaining and witty acts.
The parishioners of Jeppu along with Cornel and his team members Elton, Sneha, Sonali and Gavin provided a visual treat with their spectacular dances.
A felicitation ceremony was held during the stage programme in which James Mendonca and Shobha Mendonca (on behalf of Mangalore Konkans, Dubai), Eddie Sequeira, and Walter Nandalike were honoured for their support to Wilfy Nites over the years.
Chief guest for the evening Fr Baptist Menezes, the newly-appointed vicar general of Udupi diocese did the honours.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Baptist recalled the immense contributions of Wilfy Rebimbus and said that the legendary singer was a proof of the gift of talent by god. "Wilfy made the best use of this talent in his words, lyrics, music and tunes. The fragrance and love radiating in his works have made the Konkani language rich," he said.
"Wilfy inspired a whole generation with his music and with the way he conducted himself," he added.
He also said that nobody could replace Wilfy's place during his lifetime or in the future. "Every work of his was a masterpiece in itself. The art and craftsmanship of his work covered every subject and topic," he said. He concluded his address conveying his Christmas and New Year wishes to the gathering.
On the occasion, Leo Rodrigues from Abu Dhabi released 'Swapan' a book of articles on Wilfy Rebimbus by various authors, compiled by C G S Taccode. Lavina Rodrigues presented memento to the author.
Capt Merwin Pinto and Patricia Pinto released the CD 'Muzo Desh Maka Mogacho', the 43rd volume of songs by the Rebimbus family. Pinto Vamanjoor who created the cover design of the CD was presented with a memento.
'Suryacha Kirnnani', a book on the literary contributions of Wilfy Rebimbus, edited by Fr Stephen Pereira and Fr Pius James, was released by Meena Rebimbus.
The stage programme was compered by Charleen Rebimbus and Arthur Pais.
On the whole, it was truly a memorable and fitting celebration of the most brilliant legend of the Konkani music world.
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