Gerry D’Mello
Daijiworld Media Network, Toronto
Toronto, Aug 30: Undoubtedly, it was an evening of splendor for the Konkani, Kannada and Tulu Communities in Toronto at the extraordinary, record-setting, and first of its kind “Starz Musical ExSTARvaganza “event presented by The Konkani TV Canada (KTV) held on August 27 at the state-of-the-art Rose Theatre, Brampton.
Almost four hours of non-stop entertainment-packed program got off to an electrifying start with the National Anthem ‘O Canada’ sung by Vanessa and Manuela and ‘Jana Gana Mana’ sung by Nidhi, Pavan, and Pawani.
The scintillating performance of all the performers, especially the international stars Ajay Warrier, Jacqueline Fernandes and Elton Nazareth left most of the audience speechless. Jacqueline kicked off the show with her spectacular singing. Her voice is as powerful as it is enticing, reminding the audience of the performance of Goa’s Nightingale Lorna who performed on the same stage for the Henry and Lorna Live-In Concert organized by Radio Mango nine years ago.
South India’s incredible singer of international fame Ajay Warrier who is nick-named Jr S P Balasubramanyam set the stage on fire with his powerful renditions, belting out his all-time favorites in Konkani, Kannada and Tulu languages, holding the audience completely spellbound. Joyson D’Souza and Arvind of Mega Tuners led the band, delivering astonishing support to international stars and Canadian singers that left minds thoroughly blown.
One of the special attractions of the melodious evening, was the live presentation of a fascinating musical chain of video songs viz., “Mothiyam So’r” (the chain of Pearls) to pay rich tribute to the Konkani legends released by SBDM Productions in association with Konkani TV Canada in the month of June last year, which was the first of its kind in the country of Canada. The Mangalurean Konkani-speaking community musicians and singers based in Canada, under the dynamic leadership of Sonia Monteiro, collectively created history. Canada’s Konkani music maestro Ashith Glen Pinto carried out the music arrangement and direction for this album. The “Mothiyam So’r” video made full justice in giving a befitting tribute to the greatest Konkani song composers and singers. The names of the Legends portrayed in this video are: The late Wilfy Rebimbus, Meena Rebimbus, Melwyn Peris, the late Mick-Max, Apolinaris D’Souza, Gration D’Souza, Lawrence Saldanha, Timothy Serrao, the late Victor Concessao, the late Henry Thomas D’Souza, the late Jerome D’Souza, Henry D’Souza, Mike Simons, the late P H Pinto, Oswald D’Souza, the late Claud D’Souza, Eric Rosario and Joyce Ozario.
Highly talented and well-known Konkani singers based in Canada who rendered their beautiful voices to this live presentation were, Merlyn Rodrigues, Anita Prabhu, Nidhi Subramanya, Marita Correa, Lara Rebello, Violet Pais, Lucy D’Mello, Viyona D’Souza, Fabina Saldanha, Sonia Monteiro, Fr Roshan D’Souza, Manohar Pais, Wilson D’Souza, Lawrence Pinto, Lancy Rodrigues, Edwin D’Souza, Linton Pinto, Priston Ken Monteiro, Shaun Aranha, Larson Pinto, Glen Saldanha, Lloyd Pinto and Denver. Mr Joyson D’Souza directed the music and singing during the live presentation “Mothiyam So’r.
The singing presentation was well accompanied by Toronto’s renowned Dance Team Jadoo Friends consisting of Natasha D’Souza (choreographer), Clarissa D’Souza, Parth Naik, and Dhruv Naik who gave a stupendous dance performance.
The next item was honoring the Community Heroes. Maxim Mendes was honored with the prestigious “Konkani TV Canada Lifetime Achievement Award.” Max is a great visionary and a leader. His passion for Konkani prodded him to promote Konkani music, art, culture, and traditions in Canada. He took great pride in being one of the founding members of The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC), Canara World Foundation (CWF), Konkan Organisation of Toronto (KOT), Konkani Catholics of Brampton (KCOB), and Canadian Canara Vision Inc. (CCVI). Konkani TV Canada firmly believes that his efforts have played a significant role in promoting the Konkani language and preserving Konkani traditions and culture among the people of Canada. KTV truly appreciates his dedication to fostering the Konkani community and its values. Maxim Mendes was awarded with the traditional turban, shawl, citation, and a plaque by Fr Roshan D’Souza.
Sonia Monteiro, the architect of “Mothiyam So’r” was honored and presented with the title “The Iron Lady of Konkani Community in Canada” for her sacrifices and dedication as an incredible woman who inspired and supported the Konkani Community in Canada. She is an adorable wife, affectionate mother, talented singer, and above all a fantastic organizer nicknamed the “Iron Lady” of the Konkani Community in Canada. Sonia Monteiro was awarded the crown and sash, by Viyona D’Souza, citation by Fr Roshan D’Souza and a plaque by Maxim D’Mello, the MAC president.
The unsung community heroes Paul Mathias, Ivan Lobo, Suvarna & Sadanand Mankikar, Dr Ratnakar Shetty, and Nagendra Krishna Murthy were also honored for their exemplary services to the community.
The sacred theme of the entire event was “Joy of Giving.” The committed Wilson D’Souza, the Supremo of Konkani TV Canada and his team Rony Monteiro, Manoj D’Cunha, Sonia Monteiro, Viyona D’Souza and Joyson D’Souza handed over a cheque of Rs 1 lac payable to Snehalaya, a Charity Organization in Mangaluru, India and a cheque for CAD 1,000 payable to the Food Bank Canada to Nelson D’Costa, a renowned personality here. He received the donations on behalf of the Charity Organizations.
The fun-filled evening was hosted with professionalism by acclaimed emcee, the Radio Mango supremo Milena Marques Zach and Wilson D’Souza, and ably co-hosted by ace compere Manohar Pais, Konkani TV Canada newsreader John D’Souza, popular Compere Clara D’Souza, renowned stage artiste Ronald Monteiro and the talented Amora Monteiro.
With Wilson and Milena emceeing the show, every performance and skit followed each other with clockwork precision. The skits by Flavian Pinto, Nancy Mendes, Santosh D’Souza, Ronnie Monteiro, Alphons D’Souza, Junior Menezes, and Marshal Fernandes sent the audience into a tizzy of hilarity and fun.
The sponsors who generously supported this "Joy of Giving" Charity event were:
Alaa Yousif, Real Estate Consultant - Main Diamond Sponsor
Ravi Fernandes, TRINITY AUTO AND TIRE CENTRE - Silver Sponsor
Manoj D'Cunha, Advisor at Sun Life - Silver Sponsor
Max Mendes, Max Mendes Group - BRONZE SPONSOR
Flavian Pinto, Financial Advisor at Sun Life - BRONZE SPONSOR
Shwetha Bhatt, Eye Style Optical - BRONZE SPONSOR
Stan Goveas, Rock of Colors - BRONZE SPONSOR
Nelson D'Costa, Financial Planner - BRONZE SPONSOR
Kelum Hewage, Mortgage Agent - BRONZE SPONSOR
Vincent Machado - BRONZE SPONSOR
Ronald Rego, REGO INTERNATIONAL - Associate Sponsor
Vijay Dante, Udupi Madras Café - Associate Sponsor
As the evening wound down, people's enthusiasm climbed higher. They wanted more, and Ajay and Jacqueline obliged. The audience showed their appreciation by giving the performers a standing ovation. At the magnificent Rose Theatre, it sounded thunderous. Later, the artists were mobbed for selfies. The Konkanas, Kannadigas, and Tuluver went home in awe, vowing they had never seen anything like this before. It was indeed the first time international artists of three languages came together and delivered performances that will be talked about for years and generations to come.
Kudos to Wilson D'Souza, one of the greatest community leaders in Canada, for spearheading this professional event to tremendous success!