Pics by Brazil Gomes and Tony Augustine
Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Jul 5: Konkani Kutam London, headed by Raj Francis Pereira, and twelve enthusiastic team members comprising Apoline Vaz, Ceasar Fernandes, Divya D'Souza, Helen Augustine, Santosh Johnson, Lloyd Dsa, Melvin Rodrigues, Precilla Fernandes, Sandhya D'Souza, and Stany Mendonca put up tremendous efforts in organising the first-ever Wilfy Nite in London, which went down in the annals of history as jam-packed audience enjoyed the four-hour non-stop music, dance and comedy show.
The Wilfy Nite team was led by Konkan Maina Meena Rebimbus along with Veena Pais, Vishwas Rebimbus, Charleen Rebimbus, Arvin Pais, Ivan Sequiera, Babitha Pinto, and musicians Jovin and Pappan. They were also supported by local artistes.
The event, organised on July 4 at Clay Oven Banquetting hall, Wembley, started at around 6.30pm. Claud Moraes, member of Eurpean Union parliament, Walter Nandalike, Daijiworld founder, Felix Lobo, entrepreneur from Doha Qatar, Frank Fernandes, entrepreneur from Dubai and film producer were the guests of the evening.
Stany Mendonca, the noted Konkani composer and singer who was a key member of the organising committee, compered the initial stage programme. He introduced the guests and artistes to the audience, after which Claud Moraes, Walter Nandalike and Meena Rebimbus inaugurated the event by opening the curtain. A brief lighting the lamp event was held earlier.
Raj Francis welcomed the gathering, with special note of gratitute to Ronald Colaco, NRE entrepenuer who was the main sponsor of the event with his huge support to the show. "The show would not have been possible without the contribution of Colaco, we miss him today," he said.
Leslie Rego, the vibrant compere from Mangaluru, took charge of the show and compered the entire event with his usual flair, wit and humour.
The ever popular yesteryear songs of legendary composer-singer Wilfy Rebimbus as well as new songs composed by Meena, Veena and Vishwas which were rendered during the show were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. Whenever there were fast songs like 'Ladies Tailor', 'Kuashi Zatha' and baila session, the audience hit the dance floor. 'Mog Tuzo Kitlo Axelom', the ever popular song rendered by Vishwas was relished by the audience who asked for more.
'Mozo Abha', by 5-year-old Roger Rembibus, grandson of the legend was another hit that the audience appreciated with a thundering appalause.
'Sangeetha', 'Mozo Desh Mogazo', 'Alli Milli', 'Kotrunja', 'Kuhu Kuhu Kogule' were some of the other songs presented during the show.
Local singers Ansuya Gomes, Sonal Mendonca, Melanie Rodrigues and Stany Mendonca supported the visiting artistes with their melodious voices.
The comedy skits presented by Stany Mendonca, Melvin Rodrigues, Sandhya D'Souza, Vinod Barboza, Ronald Lobo, Charles D'Souza and Violet D'Souza were hilarious.
Another highlight of the event was the scintillating dance performances by Sonal, Sinol, Shanel, Sandhya and other KKL team members.
MP Claud Moraes, whose origin is Mangaluru, lauded the KKL team for putting up the successful show. He appreciated the packed crowd and said he was reminded of his Mangalurean roots through Wilfy's Konkani music.
During the event some of the rare achievers were honoured by KKL for their service to their respective fields. They were Richard and Christine Lobo, Aa Ba London (Noted Konkani writer), Raj Francis Pereira. Glen D'Souza's mother accepted the honour on his behalf as he was back home in India and could not make it to the event.
During a brief stage programme, Ronald Colaco was feted with 'Konkan Samaritan' award for his meritorious service to Konkani language, community and art, andespecially for his philanthropic work. Walter Nandalike accepted award on behalf of Colaco.
Walter Nandalike, chief guest of the function hailed KKL for its team work and appreciated the efforts put into organising the mega show. "It is not easy to organise a houseful show in London despite all odds. Those who missed this event have really missed something fantastic because such historic moments do not happen often. The Konkani loving people of UK have given the biggest tribute to the late legend Wilfy by attending this event. It is heartening to see people from far away driving hours and hours from around UK to make it to the event - it shows the respect and love they have for Wilfy." He lauded the unity of Konkani speaking community of London, and urged people to remain united for the cause of Konkani and organise many more Konkani events in the coming days.
Felix Lobo narrated his association with Wilfy and his family over the last couple of decades. Meena Rebimbus thanked KKL and the audience in a unique way by singing 'Dev Borem Korum'. Veena Rebimbus also expressed her gratitute to the organisers as well as to Konkani fans in the UK.
Frank Fernandes and Vishwas Rebimbus were also present on the stage.
Sponsors, artistes, and volunteers were felicitated for thier support.
The event ended at around midnight with a sumptuous dinner.
The quality of show which testified the organising capacity of KKL was highly admired by the audience, as a full capacity crowd enjoyed each and every moment all through the event.