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Bahrain, Sep 30: Anugraha D’Souza hailing from Mudipu, and Teena Roshan D’Souza from Kateel qualified for the finals of Gulf Voice of Mangalore (GVOM) Season 6 to be held in Kuwait in male and female category respectively at the Bahrain semifinals hosted by Konkani Kutam Bahrain and Konkan Singers Club on Saturday, September 28 at the Indian Club Auditorium, Manama.
In the male category, Aeron Franco and Ronald Fernandes were adjudged the first and second runner-up respectively, while Vivitha Sonia D’Souza and Sachitha Fernandes were adjudged the first and second runner-up respectively in the female category.
Bertram Rego the compere for the evening welcomed the gathering and invited the committee members of both the host organisations to light the lamp and start the semifinals. Konkani Kutam Bahrain convener in his welcome address spoke about the dream called Gulf Voice Mangalore dreamt by two gentlemen Lawrence Pinto and (late) Louis Rodrigues from Kuwait, a wonderful platform for Konkani music enthusiasts across GCC. The 12 semifinalists Evita Castelino, Teena Roshan D’Souza, Vivitha Sonia D’Souza, Sachitha Fernandes, Shanthi Noronha, Renita Pinto, Aeron Franco, Christopher Roshan Lobo, Winston Preetham Aranha, Ronald Fernandes, Sydney Correa and Anugraha D’Souza walked to the stage in procession led by Stany D’Souza. Bertram introduced all the contestants and the contestants made their way to the designated seats.
The GVOM Season 6 semifinal was graced by Roshan D’Souza, Ajith Peter D’Souza and Arun Carlo as judges. Bertram introduced the judges and were led to the stage and judging sheets were handed over by Steven D’Souza, Bahrain coordinator of GVOM Season-6. On behalf of the judges, Ajith Peter D’Souza spoke and informed audience about the judging pattern and the judges’ expectation from the contestants. Bertram then informed the audience about the rules of the first round of the competition, introduced the band ‘Beats’ and initiated the competition by singing a song himself.
After the completion of first round the musicians Nafjad Nappu (Keyboard and Music Arranger), Biju Rajan, Kevin Francis (Keyboard), Prasad Mathew (Lead Guitar), Deorn D’Souza (Bass Guitar), Prinson Machado (Rhythm Guitar), Sayonji Simon (Acoustic Drums) and Rajeev Madhavan (Tabla and Rhythm Pad) were introduced. Young children entertained the audience with two fusion dance numbers. Sponsors and donors were felicitated with a token of gratitude.
The second round of semifinals had cord round without music. Bertram explained the rules for this round. Contestants of both male and female singers had to submit three songs and the judges picked one song and asked the contestants to sing. The 12 semifinalists, judges and compere were honored with mementoes. A short comedy skit was performed by Stany D’souza and group. Guest of honour Fr Darel Fernandes, assistant parish priest and spiritual director of the Konkani community of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church congratulated Konkani Kutam Bahrain and Konkan Singers Club for hosting the semifinals and supporting Konkani music and culture. On behalf of the judges, Roshan D’Souza spoke few words on the evaluation and appreciated the participation by the contestants.
The results were then announced and the winners, runner-up and second runner-up were presented with trophies.
GVOM Season 6: