Gerry D’Mello
Daijiworld Media Network - Toronto
Toronto, Aug 24: After a long and patient wait by the Konkani, Kannada, and Tulu music lovers in Canada, to quench their thirst three international stars Ajay Warrier, Jacqueline Fernandes and Elton Nazareth arrived in Toronto on August 23 evening for their record-breaking performance in ‘Starz Musical ExSTARvaganza’ in North America for the first time.
Canada’s renowned Konkani personalities – Wilson D’Souza, Manohar Pais, Joyson D’Souza, Ronald–Sonia Monteiro, and Subrahmanya were present at the Lester Pearson International Airport to extend a rousing welcome to the great international music stars who landed at Canadian soil for the first time.
In true Konkani TV Canada tradition people in Canada will have the rare privilege of witnessing history being created as three International Stars take the stage on August 27, for the ‘Starz Musical ExSTARvaganza’ at the state-of-the-art Rose Theatre, Brampton. Renowned music director Joyson D’Souza from Canada to lead and add more spice to the music orchestra.
Upon international stars Ajay Warrier, Jacqueline Fernandes, and Elton Nazareth’s arrival to Toronto representing daijiworld.com, I had the unique opportunity to toss a few questions at them and the following are some excerpts:
Q: Ajay, Jacqueline & Elton how did it feel landing in Canada also known as North America’s Cradle for the Multi-Linguistic & Multi-Cultural Talents?
Ajay: With Kanata meaning settlement or village (and it also sounds like the language Kannada), I am feeling very connected to all of you. Regarding your point about the multilinguistic and multicultural aspect, I think that coming from India and that too from Bengaluru, which is a melting pot of cultural diversity, WILL feel like a home away from home. I am already feeling at home, thanks to the warm welcome. That being said, I am super thrilled to be part of your ‘Exstarvaganza’ show with the talent galore that you are showcasing tomorrow. What a beautiful title for this show ‘Mothiyam So’r’- precious music pearls that you are stringing to tribute to Konkani music. I am looking forward to sharing the stage with Jacqueline Fernandez ji, Elton Nazareth ji, Wilson Dsouza ji, Sonia Monteiroji, Jayson ji, and others. Thank you, Wilson sir, for the opportunity.
Jacqueline: This is my fourth visit to Canada and having family and friends here I have always felt at home whenever I have landed on Canadian soil. I truly love the warm, welcoming melting pot of culture that Canada is. Having such a variety of cultures and talent is such a privilege and gift to someone from an immigrant background because it becomes the chord that binds you to your roots of origin.
Elton: I have only heard about the diverse ocean of multi-linguistic and multi-cultural talents from many people when I was back in India. Now, when I attend almost every music festival or carnival, I am surprised to see how amazing it is! I have seen so many artists busking, and this motivates me to get into this cradle and showcase my talent.
Q: Canada is excited to watch you live on stage for the first time. What have you planned to cool down their excitement?
Ajay: Yeah Canada, I am excited as well. I personally know quite a few NRI-Canadians from different parts of India but will be performing live in Canada for the first time. I am ready with multilingual numbers for all the listeners, something for everyone… that will remind you of home.
Jacqueline: I am equally excited to be performing live in Canada for the very first time. I believe in my talent, passion, and spontaneity and that is exactly what I plan to bring alive on stage. A power-packed performance for a good cause.
Elton: If people have seen my shows and performances back in India, I am not someone who could keep calm. And, I would not want Canada to cool down because this time, we are going to have fun and put on a show that people will remember forever.
Q: What’s the most memorable event in your life as a stage artiste?
Ajay: Aah… memories…Where do I start!! Everyone liked me when I went up on stage at a talent search in elementary school was my first stage memory. If you ask memorable, I recall every stage show with multiple Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu communities in Qatar, Muscat, USA, Africa, Australia, and the UK. Then, years later, there was also my first show with the great Dr SPB Sir, Ilayaraja Sir, K S Chithra maam; another one when Vani Jayaram maam sang my composition; or the show celebrating Jesudasji’s 50 years for an overpacked auditorium at Mangaluru, way past scheduled time… But, I also vividly recall my very first stage at home where my dad, my mentor, who is the artiste who changed my life, listened to me sing classical and devotional songs, along with everyone else in the neighborhood; be it a special occasion or whenever they felt like hearing me sing-truly thankful to all of them who encouraged me.
Jacqueline: Receiving a standing ovation from the judges on India’s Got Talent and making it all the way to the top 12 spotlight acts as semi-finalists.
Elton: Crowd that appreciates my show and when I say appreciate, they get up from their chairs and come forward and dance like no tomorrow, those are the memories that I never forget and cherish. I have had quite a few memorable events when I have performed with bands like Imperials, Cosmic Rays, Route 96, Glorious, Silver Tones, Strings, Teetotallers, Rhythm and Blues (Goa), and C7. The most memorable one would be the KCO 2017 event at Abu Dhabi when I was backed by the amazing Rhythm and Blues from Goa. Another one would be at the Fr. Mullers College Fest in Mangaluru when I was the frontman for C7. These two shows have given me the best memories as a stage artiste.
Q: We salute you for your determination to continue your amazing singing talent and reach the next generation. Having said that, would you tell me what are your future plans in this regard?
Ajay: Music is an ongoing phenomenon that has a sense of belonging and brings everyone together. During my shows, I have observed that someone might request me to sing a song from the 70s; but kids from the 90s or 2000s still groove/ dance to it. So, there is no generation gap and no language barriers when it comes to enjoying music. Regarding my plans…I started with studio recordings and will want to continue with that since that gets me closer to my spiritual side. And then, when I started the stage shows, I was able to connect the audience to the music; and see the happiness on their faces. The most beautiful thing about learning music is, nobody can take it away from you. Hence, regarding the future, music is one thing that I have always found comfort in, over the past 20+ years, and might also want to look into research in the area of music. I have also been teaching different genres of music in different languages for different age groups, be it a novice singers or even someone who wants to learn nuances of professional singing. So, let’s see where life takes almighty will show the path.
Jacqueline: As an ambassador for Konkani, a singer, and a speech therapist I have juggled my roles for 8 years. As a woman, daughter, and wife I have always had to strike a balance between following my passion, chasing a career, and managing a home. I wish to be able to continue this balance of life choices so it can send a message that working hard and prioritizing multiple things is possible if done with due diligence and hard work. There will always be a rewarding tomorrow.
Elton: I would really love to get my Mangalurean buddies Arthur, Ashith, and some more people together and start a band that plays multi-genre and especially Mangalorean Baila. It is definitely going to take some time, but I am sure that day is not too far away.
Q: What is your message to your fans in Canada?
Ajay: Every generation thinks their music is the ultimate. But, there is great stuff from every generation. So, from Kodial or Karnataka to Canada, you guys are gathered here to tribute to the Konkani music legends, and that too for a humanitarian cause like ‘singing for supper’. True, like Mother Theresa said, “Not all of us can do great things at once, but we can do small things with great love”, Hence, let us come together on Sunday, August 27, for this amazing cause with this beautiful musical night, supported by all the sister communities here; and make a significant difference in communities across borders.
Jacqueline: My message to all my fans in Canada is thank you! Thank you very much for all the love, appreciation, and recognition for my talent that has made me popular among you all. I am overwhelmed and grateful.
Elton: I am sure most of the people in Canada do not know me, but I am here, and it's time that they feel the vibe and energy of Elton Nazareth. I will ensure that I entertain you all in the best way and create memories that last for a long time.
Undoubtedly it is going to be a spectacular and unforgettable night of music with international stars and Canadian stars, including the incredible Mothiyam So’r under the dynamic leadership of Sonia Monteiro.
Konkani TV Canada is organizing this event in support of their ‘Kill the Hunger’ campaign. Most of the proceeds will be donated to Snehalaya Mangalore and Food Bank Canada.
The organizers are encouraging people not to miss out on this incredible opportunity to see some of the biggest names in music.
Please click the link below to buy tickets now:
https://tickets.brampton.ca/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=4117031A-7FCE-43D0-B8A0-E3FB3A43E584&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=A652DB1C-9130-45F7-8AB5-D109B6A68870