Mangalore: 5th Global Konkani Music Awards conferred at befitting ceremony
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD)
Mangalore, Dec 9: The 5th Global Konkani Music Awards instituted by Mandd Sobhann were presented at a glittering ceremony held at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar here on Sunday December 8.
The Mandd Sobhann Global Konkani Music - Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on Fr Walter Albuquerque for his immense contribution to Konkani music. The occasion was made extra special with the celebration of Fr Albuquerque's 90th birthday. Fr Albuquerque, a Jesuit priest, is a well known music composer, nicknamed “Dhovi Kogul” (the White Nightingale). His contribution to the music field, both liturgical and social, is matchless. He has not only composed and popularised music, but also groomed and inspired many a talent over the years, including the legendary Wilfy Rebimbus.
Acknowledging the honour, Fr Albuquerque thanked one and all for the love and affection showered on him. "No one knows how much I had to struggle to compose Konkani hymns and songs. I thank Mandd Sobhann for conferring this honour on me and also for celebrating my birthday," he said.
It was then time for the presentation of the Global Konkani Music Awards in six categories. There were three nominees in each of the categories, and all of them were honoured by chief guest of the evening MLA J R Lobo.
The Best Singer (Female) award went to Anita D'Souza, while Lawry Travasso of Goa won the award for the Best Singer (Male). Sidhanath Buyao (Goa), Mumbai bagged the Best Music Composer award, while Wilson Sequeira Kateel was adjuged the Best Lyricist. The Best Music Arranger Award was conferred on Roshan D'Souza Angelore, and the Best Music Album award was won by Ajith Peter D'Souza for his album 'Tujye Vengent'.
The awards were presented by Mangalore Konkans Dubai president James Mendonca and Zee TV DID Supermoms finalist Cecille Rodrigues of Goa.
On the occasion, Cecille Rodrigues was honoured with the title of 'Dancing Queen of Konkani' by J R Lobo.
In her address, Cecille said that being a mother, a turnaround like the one she experienced during DID Supermoms was very heartwarming, and that her life had changed since then. "Thank you for inviting me as a chief guest. It is my first visit to Mangalore, but I feel completely at home," she added.
J R Lobo congratulated the winners of the awards and said, "You have travelled so much in life to reach this stage, but there is still a lot to learn. You are true inspiration for others." He urged Mangalore Konkani speaking community to give more importance to their mother tongue.
President of Mandd Sobhann Louis Pinto honoured J R Lobo with a memento.
In her thanksgiving speech, Anita D'Souza expressed her gratitude to god and said that this was her first Konkani music award. She thanked the listeners and her family for supporting her. Lawry Travasso thanked Mandd Sobhann and said that it felt heavenly to receive the award. He thanked music groups he has worked with for supporting him.
Sidhanath Buyao said that he has released 14 albums so far and thanked Eric Ozario, adding that Konkani is given a lot of preference in Mangalore. Wilson Kateel expressed his immense happiness on winning the award and thanked everyone especially Eric Ozario and his music teachers. Roshan D'Souza Angelore too thanked Ozario, Mandd Sobhann and also music director Joel Pereira. Ajith Peter D'Souza thanked his wife Lynette, Fr Ben Britto, Roshan D'Souza, Wilson Kateel and Joel Pereira for their support.
Nephie Rod from Mumbai enthralled the gathering with her stupendous performance, accompanied by Nach Sobhann troupe who presented scintillating dances.
Lavita Lobo and Titus Noronha compered the event.
Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario, secretary Irene Rebello, coordinator Stany Alvares, philanthropist Eric Correa and others were present.