Report & Pics: Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady/Kuwait
Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait
Kuwait, Sep 15: Abbasiya Konkani Families Kuwait (AKFK), which initially began as United Families Abbasiya (UFA) of St Daniel Comboni parish, Abbassiya, marked its 20th anniversary by celebrating the feast of nativity along with Sangeeth Saanz with Kevin Misquith on Friday, September 14 at Indian Central School premises.
The melodious event featured performances by Kevin Misquith, the new age icon of Konkani music, music directors Jackson Noronha and Clyde Lobo from Mangaluru, GVOM Morvine Quadras, compere Dony Corea, Dubai and local artistes.
The programme started with a procession of statue of Mother Mary to the stage along with paddy grain and dates. Children carrying flowers along with visiting priest Fr Johnson Fernandes, Fr Noel Almeida, Fr Antony Lopez and Deacon Sylvester D’Souza took part in the procession to the altar. Hymns were sung by the choir members led by Konkani’s golden voice Ronny D’Cunha, GVOM Morvin Quadras and Jasmine D’Cunha.
Flowers were offered and showered by a record number of kids in a very traditional way. Mass in Konkani was offered during the celebration. Mangaluru’s harvest paddy grain was blessed during the Mass and distributed to the gathered. Children were overwhelmed with the rarely seen sugarcane (Kobu) which gave complete enjoyment and excitement of feast.
The entertainment part of the programme started with welcome dance by Abbasiya Little Champs after which compere of the evening Dony Correa took over the stage. Kevin, Morvine, Jackson and Clyde along with local singers Megan Sactist, Sarah Lobo, Joella Pereira and Rilson D’Souza rocked the stage with the choicest selection of Konkani songs. The music mood continued with selected solo and duet songs such as Moeja Anja, Heyo Heyo, Thembe Thembe, Kalza Thar, Gulfacha Reventh, Tu Munon, Hee Rath, Kenna Kenna, Kaliz Bullam, Pavle, Hee Jeen, Kombyan Ghala Saad, Koglecho Talo, Ek geet etc. Backing vocal team with Travis Rodrigues, Rilson D’Souza, Kevin D’Souza, Rachel Lobo and Leona D’Souza well supported the event with their voices and also entertained the crowd during the Mashup session. Mashup of Konkani and other languages with tribute to legendary singers was a new experience for Kuwait audience.
The audience thoroughly enjoyed foot tapping dances by Jhankaar Dance Academy, Mystic Group 1 & 2, Abbasiya Little Champs and Abbasiya the Royal Couples. Multi-talented and versatile compere in the gulf region, Donny Correa, who is an enthusiastic theatre artiste with a vivid experience in acting, singing and anchoring, ably compered the event with his humorous poetic style.
A souvenir was released to mark the event by Fr Johnson Fernandes and Fr Noel Almeida. The sponsors of the events and artistes were felicitated during the occasion with mementos. Audience were served the traditional feast dinner prepared by M & M caterers which was appreciated by every one for its unique taste with typical Mangalurean flavour. Achievements of Abbassiya Families were highlighted by Maxim D'Souza.
The stage programme was compered by Deepak Andrade. Soulful music was played by Jackson Noronha (Keybord/Singer), Clyde Lobo (Lead Guitar/Singer), Jason Misquith (Keyboard), Shawn Rodrigues (Rhythm Guitar), Johny Fernandes (Accoustic Guitar), Anil Pais (Bass Guitar), Joyston D'Souza (Percussion) and Eduardo Dias (Drums). The stage, sound and lightings were provided by Waves Event Engineering (Anand D'Souza). The well-arranged programme came to an end with Mangalurean special Baila dance.