Gerry D'Mello
Daijiworld Media Network - Toronto
Toronto, Sep 23: After a long and patient wait by the Konkani music lovers in Canada, in order to quench their thirst for Konkani music, two Konkani Music legends have arrived in Toronto for their record breaking “2 legends live in concert Lorna and Henry” in North America for the first time. The Goan Konkani melody queen Lorna and Sangeeth Samraat Henry D’Souza together with talented Goan and Mangalorean local artistes will be performing in Konkani Music Concert organized by Radio Mango, the first ever Radio Channel in North American hemisphere to mark their glorious 2nd anniversary.
Radio Mango suprimo Milena Marques-Zachariah and the directors Wilson and Allan were present at the Lester Pearson International Airport to extend a rousing welcome to the great music legends who landed on Canadian soil after a long break. In true Radio Mango tradition people in Canada will have the rare privilege of witnessing history being created as two great music legends take the stage on September 28, for the “2 Legends Live concert” at the superb Rose Theatre, Brampton. Renowned music director Norman Cardozo has also arrived from Goa, India to lead and to add more spice into the music orchestra.
Upon Konkani Music legends’ arrival to Toronto representing daijiworld.com, I had the unique opportunity to toss a few questions at them and the following are some excerpts:
Q: Lorna and Henry, how did it feel landing again in Canada also known as North America’s Cradle for Konkani Talents?
A: Lorna: We are privileged ad honoured to be invited to perform in Canada.
Henry: It’s wonderful. It’s a privilege and honour, especially since this concert is being organised on such a large scale.
Q: Canada is excited to watch you live on stage again. What have you planned to cool down their excitement?
A: Lorna: I, too, am very excited to be here to perform live for the Canadian audience. The excitement will show in the performance which in turn, will keep the audience happy and satisfied.
Henry: I am very excited to perform, especially since Lorna and I are coming together for a performance for the very first time. There is plenty planned for the Mango crowd. We just want the people to come and watch.
Q: What’s the most memorable event in your life as a stage artiste?
A: Lorna: My comeback in 1995 in Goa at Miramar, after 25 years, back into the singing world, with the 'Hello Lorna' tour. It was very well organised.
Henry: 2009 – when I came to Canada and performed for an audience of 850 people, with 150 coming from the US at the Living Arts Centre.
Q: We salute you for your determination in continuing Konkani and reach out to the next generation. Having said that, would you tell me what are your future plans in this regard?
A: Lorna: With the support and love from my fans, I will continue to sing in Konkani. Future plans include shows in Africa and Australia. We have shows in the pipeline for the Middle East, too.
Henry: I will keep on composing songs in our language for posterity.
Q: What is your message to your fans in Canada?
A: Lorna: We want to tell them to support Radio Mango. To keep Radio Mango going. It takes a lot of money to organise concerts on this scale. We are asking the people to come out and support RM.
Henry: It’s a great honour to be back and continue our tradition. I am going to give my best when I perform this Sunday.
Canadian Konkans are highly privileged to have in their midst the brilliant Lorna and Henry and talented local artistes at the gala show to be held on Sunday at the superb Rose Theatre, Brampton. This spectacular music extravaganza undoubtedly will be a historical show and will be hosted by none other than Konkani World’s renowned duo Milena and Wilson.