Report: Freddy D'Souza
Photos: Reuben D'Souza
Bahrain, May 31: It was a memorable, long-awaited treat for Konkani music lovers as the Konkani community of Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain organized the 261st Wilfy Nite in memory of Konkani legend the late Wilfy Rebimbus at Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium in Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain on Thursday May 28.
Addressing the gathering, parish priest Fr Freddy D'Souza congratulated and thanked the spiritual director, Fr Gasper, and the entire Bahrain Konkani community on organizing this mega event and all the supporters who contributed and made this dream a reality. This show was staged in support of the new Awali Catherdral building.
Meena Rebimbus, known as 'Konkan Myna' was honoured by Fr Freddy on the occasion. She expressed her gratitude by singing 'Dev Borem Korum' song. Vishwas Rebimbus thanked everyone for the support on behalf of their entire team.
The musical evening began with the song 'Dev Boro Dees Dinvdi' by Meena, Veena and Vishwas Rebimbus. Vishwas's wife Charlene, Veena Rebimbus Pais and Arthur Pais' son Arvin along with the local singers and dancers enthralled the gathering with beautiful renditions of evergreen songs. Altogether, the audience was treated to 18 songs of different genres during the course of the evening.
Local singers who performed in the show included Ronald Fernandes, Christopher Lobo and Ivan Sequeira who sang the song 'Ami komble baba', Sydney Correa, Richard Pais, Ronald Fernandes, Christopher Lobo, Shanthi Norohna, Muriel Gomes, Flavia Miranda, Sandra Castelino, Vanitha Rodrigues and Reema D'Mello who sang the song 'Muzo desh maka mogacho'; Lavina Dantis, Teena D'Souza, Suzan Miranda, Freeda D'Souza, Larissa Miranda, Adlene Alva, Melissa Martis and Anola D'Souza who sang 'Naka naka Mai'; Richard Pais, and Sydney Correa sang 'Shendo shendo' and Priya Rodrigues sang the solo 'Tukachintun dis mujesarthamhanv'. Sydney Correa and Richard Pais were the coordinators for the singers.
A dazzling display of dance was presented by youngsters Eunice D'Souza, Denzil Fernandes, Jovita D'Silva and Brendon D'Almeida to the tune of song 'Kalzachya dara rbodoitha'; Shaina Machado danced to the song 'Jibektankana' choreographed by Priya Mascarenhas; Ayona Rodrigues, Shania Dantis, Orville Sequeira, Rovyn Fernandes, Stephanie Fernandes and Ashlene Alva danced to the tune of 'Muzo desh mhaka mogacho'; Ajay Lobo, Devina Fernandes, Sunil D'Souza and Stephanie Alva to 'Sopnanthlo Rai' and Floyd Pinto, Annette Bennis, Clement Pinto and Evita Sequeira danced to the tune of 'Tukachintun'. Priya Mascarenhas coordinated the dances and was assisted by Laurine Sequeira, Reema D'Mello, Sandra Sequeira, Muriel Gomes and Eunice D'Souza.
The debut entry made by young Roger Rebimbus on stage singing 'Mhujo Abba' in memory of his grandfather, 'Konkan Kogull', the late Wilfy Rebimbus won the hearts of Konkani music lovers in Bahrain.
The trio of Lancy Rodrigues, Jaison Lasrado, Stephen Machado flown from Kuwait added a generous dose of humour with four skits during the intervals and kept the crowd in splits till the end.
The main sponsors of this event were Simon Machado family and Lawrence D'Souza, the owner of the Caesar's Group, followed by good number of co-sponsors were presented with mementos.
Award winning Ronald Olivera compered the show. Music was provided by renowned musician flown in from Mangaluru Joswin Pinto along with Swebert Mascarenhas who put together a team of local musicians. The make-up artiste was Shankar Jatanna, and photography and videography was done by Reuben D'Souza, and sound and lighting were provided by Sunny. The vote of thanks was proposed by Freddy D'Souza, chief coordinator of Konkani community, Bahrain.
A large crowd of over a thousand enjoyed the evening and applauded the show.