Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Aug 15: Anil and Laveena Pais from Kuwait released the second music album produced by them at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar here on Thursday, August 14.
Konkani legend Eric Ozario officially released the album 'Poilo Mog' comprising socially-relevant songs penned by different Konkani poets like Wilson Kateel, Vivian D'Silva, Austine Salins, Joel Attur, Melwyn Peris and Laveena Pais.
"The effort put in by the couple is highly commendable. They went to Kuwait to seek their daily bread, but love for Konkani music has brought them success in the form of two music album productions. They should continue their efforts and bring out many more albums," said Eric Ozario after releasing the album.
He also urged young artistes to take advantage of Kalaangann which provides free venue for any event related to Konkani language and culture.
Fr J B D'Souza, parish priest of Permannur blessed the album and prayed for its success. He also wished good health and success to Anil and Laveena.
Chief guest of the event Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld recalled his first meeting with the couple in Kuwait during the first Gulf Voice of Mangalore in 2008, and said that step-by-step efforts by the couple had now brought them to limelight and enabled them to produce two albums. "Laveena was a semi-finalist in 2008 GVOM, but despite losing the contest, she did not give up her efforts and she was the finalist representing Kuwait in the finals of 2012 Gulf Voice of Mangalore in Qatar. Sheer determination and dedication always bring success. Youngsters should not lose heart over criticism and negative remarks because in Konkani community, there very few people around to give positive feedback or appreciate when someone climbs up the ladder. One should have courage and a strong heart to face such negative feedback and strive for success."
Melwyn Peris, eminent Konkani singer-cum-composer, Fr Naveen Pinto from Bangalore, Fr Anil D'Souza, album sponsor Naveen Ranjith, along with Anil and Laveena were on the dais.
Arun Danti compered the entire event with his usual wit and humour.
Earlier singer Rony Crasta welcomed the gathering and Anil Pais proposed the vote of thanks.
Album sponsor Naveen Ranjith was honoured with a shawl and a memento by Walter Nandalike.
Some of the album songs were performed live during the event by Prajoth D'Sa, Anitha, Laveena and Rony Crasta.