Pics: Deepak Palladka/Pradeep Aranha Paladka
With Inputs from Ajith Peter D'Souza
Dubai, May 1: Konkani music lovers in Dubai were witness to an enchanting evening of entertainment on Friday April 29 as 'Melwyn Live in Concert', the debut musical nite by young singer-composer Melwyn D'Souza, hosted by Vamanjooreans UAE, rocked the stage at JSS Auditorium here.
Apart from a thrilling musical treat, the event also had a generous dose of rib-tickling comedy, dance performances and a special musical tribute to legends of Konkani music.
The event began with a brief formal function. The programme was inaugurated by lighting of the ceremonial lamp by main sponsors Gerald Lobo and Roopa Lobo, VP Lobo, chairman of Reliable Fabricators, Air India regional manager Melwyn D'Silva, James Mendonca, Lawrence Mendonca, Cynthia Goveas and president of Vamanjooreans UAE Johnson Monteiro. They were all welcomed with bouquets.
Addressing the gathering, V P lauded Vamanjooreans UAE for encouraging young talents and giving them a platform to perform. He also congratulated Melwyn D'Souza on his debut musical concert and wished him all success. He stressed on the importance of striving for the betterment of community.
A special attraction of the event was performance by playback singer Akshada Talaulikar, winner of first Global Konkani Music Award for best singer. She mesmerised the audience with her magical voice and peppy performance.
Winner of 2014 'Gulf Voice of Mangalore' Joshal D'Souza and finalist Vincent Rodrigues along with 'Soad' winners Amabelle Moras (season 1) and Robin Sequeira (season 4) belted out an array of hit numbers, evoking loud cheers from the audience.
The star of the show, Melwyn D'Souza proved his brilliance with an electrifying performance that captivated the audience. The singer-composer who holds a degree in Carnatic music, and who has performed in several live shows in India, Kuwait and Oman, apart from lending his voice to several music albums, swept the audience off their feet as he rendered hits after hits and entertained them with vivid mimicry.
The young and energetic Band Charitra, provided live music for the evening. The band, led by Loy Valentine Saldanha, with Patson as lead guitarist, Ian Sachin on drums and percussion, Rikith Leonard on bass guitar along with musical talents of UAE Prashanth and Sameer kept the mood alive all through the evening.
Another highlight of the evening was a special tribute to legends of Konkani music by Melwyn and his team. Accompanied by an audio-visual presentation on the personality, the team paid tributes by performing their popular numbers and introducing them to the young generation.
Apart from all the music, there were dazzling dance performances by Feat Beat dance group led by Arun Lobo.
'Kusaal Kalaakar UAE', a team of trained professional actors of Kalaakul Mangaluru, created a laughter riot with their skits.
The entire event was compered by popular host Roshan D'Silva who kept the audience engaged throughout the evening with his wit and humour. The spot games saw enthusiastic participation and winners took home attractive prizes.
'Mog Thuzo Sarwespora', a Konkani devotional album by Franklin Rodrigues was released on the
occasion by Joseph Mathais. 'Dosti' a music album by Melwyn and Loy was also released.
The musical nite was presented by Broadway Events led by Joel, who was given a loud of applause for organizing the electrifying show.
The audience danced away to glory as the evening culminated with a lively 'baila'.
Vamanjooreans UAE president Johnson Monteiro thanked the artistes, the audience and the organizing team for making the event a grand success.
About Vamanjooreans UAE
Vamanjooreans UAE is an association of energetic parishioners of Vamanjoor and has been involved in numerous noble works which include helping the underprivileged in the parish as well as the community and promoting Konkani language and culture among Mangalureans in the UAE. The Association has successfully hosted many events in the recent years which include, 'Tunes in Dunes', a mega dine and dance event, and twin dramas 'Kazarachi Dhotorne' by UAE’s local artistes and MickMax’s famous drama 'Chintnan Sobdhan ani Kernen' by artistes from Vamanjoor. It has also honoured several Konkani artistes and personalities at its events including Msgr Edwin Pinto. The Association was started five years ago by Jerald Lobo, founder president and now Johnson Monteiro is leading the Association as its president.