Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 27: Sixteen singers have been selected from Mangaluru diocese to compete in the final round of this year's Inter-Diocese Wilfy Rebimbus Memorial Konkani Singing Competition. The finalists, selected from seventy singers from different parishes of Mangaluru Diocese will compete with 16 singers of Udupi diocese in the final round, which will take place on Sunday November 15 at St Joseph Church Jeppu, Mangaluru.
On Sunday October 25, the Maria Jayanthi hall, Jeppu echoed beautiful voices of young talented singers singing from the compositions of Konkan Kogull Wilfy Rebimbus. The evening commenced with a prayer song 'Namo Namo' in the voice of the great legend Wilfy Rebimbus in whose honour and memory this contest was started 5 years ago under the able leadership of Fr Nelson Dalmeida, parish priest of Jeppu and his parishioners.
Philomena D'silva, vice-president, Jeppu parish welcomed the guests on the dais, Fr Maxim D'souza, Roshan Martis, Fr Nelson Dalmeida, family members of Wilfy Rebimbus - Meena, Vishwas and Charleen. A lamp was lit to offer tribute to the late Wilfy Rebimbus by the guests.
Fr Nelson D'Almedia, parish priest of Jeppu gave a brief introduction on the contest and welcomed the guests and the gathering. He said, as this unique contest enters into the 5th year, it has spread its wings to the Udupi diocese and this year they too will compete in the final round. The semi-finals of the Udupi diocese orgainsed by The Expressions Group had taken place on October 4.
Fr Maxim D'Souza offered tribute to the late Wilfy Rebimbus saying, "Wilfy Rebimbus has not left a single topic untouched, his songs are not just songs but medicine and strength for the one who listens to it. There has not been and never will be another great legend in Konkani like Wilfy Rebimbus, and if ever there is a category for a saint to be proclaimed from the poetry field, Wilfy Rebimbus will definitely be one."
Laveena D'Dias, secretary proposed the vote of thanks.
The competition then started with the age group of 10-15 years, followed by above 16 years category. This was a qualifying round for all the participants. As many as 70 contestants took part in 6 categories. Genevive Pinto and Philomena D'Silva compered the entire event.
The finalists were selected by the renowned panel of judges, namely Fr Maxim D'Souza, professor, St Joseph Seminary and Konkani devotional songs composer, Konkan Myna Meena Rebimbus and Sangeeth Visharad in Hindustani classical music Roshan Martis.
The much awaited result was announced by Fr Nelson Dalmeida. Two finalists from each category marched into the grand finale. The 3rd and 4th place winners received consolation prizes and participation certificates. All participants were given participation certificates.
10-15 Years Boys Solo
1. Rihaan Aaron D’silva, Bondel parish
2. Braun Fernandes, Cascia parish
3. Russel Joachim Rodrigues, Derebail parish
4. Hayden Sequeira, Cordel parish
10-15 Years Girls Solo
1. Lisha Periera, Valencia
2. Prithuma Monteiro, Vamanjoor
3. Ancita Lobo, Nithyadhar
4. Annalisa D’silva, Bondel
10-15 Years Duet (Boys and Girls)
1. Minola Saldanha and Annalisa D’silva, Bondel
2. Vanya Lobo and Simone Monteiro, Cordel
3. Sonal Veigas and Senora Fernandes, Cascia
4. Adeline Pinto and Kripa Rasquinha, Angelore
Above 16 Years Gents Solo
1. Dixon Rodrigues, Valencia
2. Arthur Lobo, Anjelore
3. Samson Coelho, Cascia
4. Denver Pinto, Cordel
Above 16 Years Ladies Solo
1. Ovida Pinto, Bondel
2. Shiny Pereira, Vamanjoor
3. Clerita Lobo, Bajjody
4. Sonal Monteiro, Cordel
Above 16 Years Mixed Duet
1. Dixon Rodrigues and Hazel D’souza, Valencia
2. Kelvin Pais and Teena Pais, Cordel
3. Llewellyn Lobo and Primrose Pinto
4. Joel Mascarenhas and Benzita, Milagres
The much awaited grand finale will be held at St Joseph Church Grounds, Jeppu here on November 15 at 5 pm. Entry is free for this event. The contest promises to be a nail-biting battle between both Udupi and Mangaluru diocese with rendition of Wilfy's best songs.
Daijiworld is the official media partner for the whole event.