Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 24: Konkani music ‘Yodeling King’ Melwyn Johnson Peris has been selected for the 18th edition of Kalakar Puraskar presented by Carvalho Family and Mandd Sobhann.
Melwyn, who started singing at the age of 6, wrote lyrics for songs at the age of 16. In the name of 'Peris Nite', he has been entertaining people through Konkani Nite style musical evenings. He has earned the title of Yodeling King from the people of Konkani due to his yodeling technique. So far, he has staged 109 nites organised by various organisations including his own production house ‘Sangeet Ghar’. He has the credit of sharing the stage with most of the Konkani singers, senior and junior. In 2018, more than Rs 45 lac was collected through his ‘Sentimental Nite’ for the treatment of poor cancer patients. He also responded to the needs of the society through many other musical nites.
He has composed over 700 songs and over 300 devotional songs. These devotional songs are imprimatur by the diocese and are being used by devotees all over the world in their religious activities. Melwyn has beenthe member of Angelore church choir for more than 41 years and choir master since 30 years. His video songs are also popular in Tulu. He has published five books of his songs, 'Madhur Podam' 3 volumes and ‘Suvalo’ in 2 volumes.
He has created 30 audio CDs, 21 devotional audio CDs and 1 video CD. Other 50 video songs are available to watch on his YouTube channel. Melwyn, who has also made his mark in the field of acting, has acted in several plays and won the best actor award twice in the inter-church drama competition. He has also acted in the lead role in short film 'Konn To Amche Modhlo'.
He has won several awards for his singing from the prestigious Konkani Natak Sabha’s inter parish singing competitions, Sandesha Kala Award (1994), Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Award (2000) Mandd Sobhann - Global Konkani Music Awards - Best Singer Award (2012) among others.
Konkani linguist Dr Pratap Naik SJ, in the name of his Carvalho family, established the Kalakar Puraskar in 2004 in association with Mandd Sobhann to honour Konkani artistes of Karnataka origin.
Melwyn will be honoured with a shawl, fruits-flowers, memento, certificate and Rs 25,000 at the award ceremony to be held at Kalangann on November 6. Philanthropist Nelson Rodricks, Dubai will be the chief guest.
Later in the 251st monthly theatre, there will be a musical programme titled 'Geeth Gonychya Asmitayechem' by Ramanand Raikar's Swarashree, Goa troupe.