Mangalorean - Goan Fusion Rocks Abu Dhabi
Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Report : Oswald M. D’Souza
Pictures : Ramcy Fernandes
Abu Dhabi – Apr 16 : The impressive cultural extravaganza “Mangalorean Day 2010” – held at Abu Dhabi Sheraton on Friday 16 April 2010 broke all records, and captured the hearts of UAE’s audience with its unique presentation.
The event showcased Konkani Cultural Organization’s organizational capabilities and proved that Abu Dhabi is ahead of others.
The Fusion of Mangalorean-Mumbai and Goa’s rich cultural masterpiece - a feast comprising of songs, music, dance and variety entertainment turned the event to be a run-away success with a houseful audience and many disappointed fans had to return without gaining Entry.
This was one of the best shows ever presented in Abu Dhabi after a long time. The efforts put in by KCO Members paid off as the show was a remarkable success.
The day long programme had all the ingredients of a perfect cultural feast marking the 16th Anniversary of K.C.O.
The top singers and musicians performed wonderfully to the delight of the appreciative audience.
The ambience of five star hotel added additional glamour to the show.
The days programme commenced at 11:00 a.m., with K.C.O.'s Spiritual Director Fr. Anthony Lopez invoking Gods blessings which was followed by K.C.O.’s theme song rendered by K.C.O. Members (which was incidentally composed by Gerald D’mello - the current K.C.O. President some years back) laid a strong foundation to the day’s amazing events in store, which was immediately followed by the dynamic Master of Ceremony Leslie Rego, specially flown in from Mangalore taking over the proceedings.
Prior to the commencement of entertainment part, a rich tribute was paid to the legendary Singer, Composer, Musician and above all a wonderful human being - the late Wilfred Rebimbus who passed away on March 9, 2010. Leslie Rego the man closest to Wilfy narrated his association with the great legend, followed by Leo Rodrigues founder member and Past President of KCO spoke about the great personality. An Audio-Visual clippings depicting the great artiste’s life was presented on this occasion. A minutes’ silence was observed in respect of the departed soul. The whole session was so touching that brought tears in the eyes of the audience. Such was the impact of this great and exceptional personality on his fans and followers of Konkani, irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
The programme was split into three sessions providing balanced and ample entertainment to the Konkani entertainment starved Abu Dhabi audience
The first session had songs by Adolf Jayatilak, Prakash, Lavita, Lorna, Lawry and Kenny who rendered excellent numbers to the amusement of the audience.
This was followed by a brief Presidential address by Gerald D’Mello – KCO’s current President who thanked the sponsors, well wishers and the audience for their support, which had encouraged KCO in presenting such a mammoth function helping them also to meet their financial need for funding charitable projects in hand in Mangalore. He also highlighted various activities carried out by K.C.O.
The Sponsors (Platinum/Gold/Silver), media persons and artistes were introduced and felicitated during this session.
The new Ambassador Designate to the UAE H.E. M. K. Lokesh gave a surprise visit to the event along with Dr. B. R. Shetty of NMC Group. H.E. Lokesh who arrived to the UAE only a few days ago, incidentally hails from Mysore, Karnataka. In his brief speech, the new Ambassador hailed the achievements of Indian people and specially the Mangalorean and Goan community who have proved their presence in the UAE, and requested their support in his new assignment.
The Second session witnessed songs that captivated the hearts of the audience. Goan Nightingale Lorna sang in her usual powerful voice the songs of the yesteryears defying her age, so was the award winning singer Lawry Trovaso with his hip hop melodies as well as sentimental songs.
Lorna became an instant hit among the audience as she is always, to the thunderous applause from audience whenever she sang, in fact she set the stage on fire.
Norman the veteran musician from Goa provided excellent music for Lorna, Lawry and Kenny.
Mangalore’s outstanding singer Adolph who is the darling of the youngsters proved his mettle by rendering the soulful as well as hip hop songs including the baila.
The young Prakash and Lavita in their debut presence in the UAE captured the hearts of the Konkani music lovers with their melodious silky voice breathing a fresh air and heralding the arrival of next generation of singers and made their presence felt, gaining the appreciation of the Konkani Music lovers.
Kenny the versatile entertainer par excellence from Mumbai managed to steal the show, with his brilliant performance , with his one act performance impersonating himself into a female character singing in his unique style to the cheers of the audience.
“Sweet Melodies” – the popular band from the U.A.E. led by veteran and one of the most respected musicians 'Arun Carlo' with his talented musicians provided the music for the visiting singers raising the tempo of the day. The sound system, lighting arrangements were excellent.
In between the event there was mixed medley of traditional Konkani songs from local Abu Dhabi talents comprising of Renny, Rupert, Rohan, Rony, Sharmila, Flavia & Ida.
It is worth mentioning that Master of Ceremony the multitalented Leslie Rego did a splendid job, with his instant wit and humour, by carrying out the proceedings smoothly and proved himself as the No. 1 compere around Mangalore, Bombay, Gulf and other parts of the world. His command of Konkani vocabulary and oratory skills were brilliant including the crowd control.
The singing sessions were interspersed with stage performances, novelty dances etc which had attractive prizes to grab.
The auction of raffle tickets was conducted by Reena Pinto and Raffle draw was carried out by Vivek Serrao which had attractive gifts comprising of Jet Airways air tickets provided by Omeir Travels and Air India tickets sponsored by Air India, jewellery, electronic items etc.
The Baila and Mando was the climax of the day, which encouraged the rapturous audience to dance to their contentment which concluded at 6.30 p.m, with people unwilling to leave the dance floor and asking for more.
The programme concluded with traditional “Laudate” sung by the Prakasah, Adolph and Lavita.
The whole show was very well organized, meticulously planned and whatever shortcomings surfaced were dealt with instantly – the show proved that why KCO under the outstanding leadership of their President Gerald Dmello is considered as a premier organization of UAE. The unity and solidarity among the KCO members was evident throughout event. Bennet D'Mello the Entertainment Secretary succeded in managing and utilising his extraordinary talent in planning and scheduling the event in an exemplary manner.
The people who attended the show had a word praise for KCO's efforts in providing quality entertainment with time management and quality food. Its indeed a job well done.