Report by Gladson  D’Almeida, Pics by Viju Mangalore

Karkala, Apr 29: This was destined to be a great and memorable evening with fabulous performances and wonderful exhibition of talents.  Elyer, who created waves of "Jadoo" in Konkani music within a short period had his melodious songs and rich lyrics at this musical nite held Souharda Sabha Bhavan, Attur on Saturday.

No one call him a novice today because he is already on the path to become a great master. While his songs are as melodious and flowing as River Phalguni, which flows in his native place Taccode, his lyrics are sharper than a double-edged sword.  His very name today evokes freshness to both Konkani literature and music world.

This nite brought out another talent in Elyer, which was so far hidden from the Konkani buffs. His compering was the hallmark of the show. 

The much anticipate evening on Saturday began with the melodious "Axci Sopnam Axi Jinn" song by Adolf Jaytilak. This was followed by a new yet very melodious composition "Kaxigi Konna Ek Dis" by none other than Zeena Pereira nee Almeida, the one and only queen of Konkani music world. She took the audience to newer heights.

Prakash D'Souza has climbed the ladder of success within a short period.  Already recognized as "Mohammad Rafi of Konkani" by many Konkani fans, he is surely moving in right direction in becoming one of the great Konkani singers. His solo number "Tum Han Munn Ya Na Munn" once again proved that when it comes to tuneful voice he is par excellence.

Muralidhar Kamat’s performance brings him one more step closer to the hearts of Konkani music buffs. His foot-tapping number "Kulkulo Go Kulkulo" accompanied by equally good dance by the Thunder Guys, Bajpe received an overwhelming applause from the jam-packed audience.

Prakash Mahadevan needs no introduction in the music world. He has already carved a niche for himself with his power-packed performances throughout the coastal districts. His duet number "Bindas Jaa" along with Reshma D'Souza, Cordel was one of the stand-out performances of the evening. This ‘bindas’ number was followed by "Moga Mojha Kitem AnnveKelem Tuka" by up and coming Vijay Vas.

Resham's next solo number was "Gaige Kogulle Gai Ganna". Dr Prashanth Raj stands head and shoulders above others when it comes to quality singing. "Ye Chandnea" the song sung by him would even have put the moon to shame. The next solo number "Mora Sangdim Pavlam Kadun" by Prakash Mahadevan was easily considered the best performance of the evening. But the following number "Dev Borem Karum", one of the masterpieces of Elyer truly played with the emotions of the crowd not only owing to the lyrics but also for a strong
performance by Adolf Jaytilak.

Chrismita D'Costa’s performance at the nite was worth watching as she proved that she has a long and successful future for her in Konkani music. The last number of the evening was "Dabak Dabak Hoisa" by Zeena and Prakash Mahadevan which sent the crowds crazy demanding for encore.

Though songs and dances were of great quality, the side-splitting jokes by Wilfy Mascarenhas and troupe kept the crowd glued to their chairs.   This was Wilfy's last-but-one show before he leaves in search for greener pastures.

Apart from the entertainment programme, this show will always be remembered for some ‘firsts’ in Konkani. The organizer Vitori Karkala has started a tradition of presenting Konkani books instead of mementos.

The sponsors John Rebello, director of Aircare Technologies (India) Pvt Ltd and his wife Violet were felicitated by Fr Francis Cornelio, parish priest of St Lawrence Church, Attur. 

The other prime sponsors Raphael and Elcy, Gracia D'Souza, Praveen Patrao of Prasad Printers, Alexander Menezes, Dubai were honoured on the occasion.  Felix and Mary Menezes, parents of Alexander Menezes were felicitated in his absence while ICYM, Mangalore central committee president Arun Ajekar, Fr Denis Castelino and Gregory Menezes of Glenishia Desingers, Belman felicitated the volunteers and sponsors who had played a great role in the successful staging of the memorable nite. Fr Francis Cornelio was given a farewell on behalf of ‘Mitr’ on his transfer to Byndoor.

In the beginning Vitori Karkala welcomed the gathering and compered the stage programme.

Llyod Austine Rego did a commendable job as compere and also paying tributes to one of the greatest showmen of Konkani, Mick Max.

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