50th Claud Nite - Golden moment for a versatile singer


Florine Roche
Additional Pics by Joshwa D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 14: Singer, song writer, composer, dramatist, actor, guitarist, drummer, Congo player and comedian – Claud D'Souza, well-known to the Konkani speaking Catholic community of this coastal region as a singer, has essayed all the above cited roles with flamboyance and with distinctiveness. It is no small achievement for a person to try his hand in diverse fields of art and culture and still find his niche in the spirited and likeable field of Konkani music. One of the longest survivors in the field who dared to take Konkani music as his career, Claud D'Souza is now on the threshold of celebrating his 50th Claud Nite, a musical extravaganza on January 17 to be held in the open grounds of Bendore Church.

In fact this milestone should have come much earlier in the life of 59 year old Claud D'Souza who has dedicated nearly four decades of his life in promoting Konkani music and culture. With his captivating stage presence he has entertained people with his singing and his on-stage persona as comedian. At a time when others thought it below their dignity he was bold enough to take Konkani music as his career, following in the footsteps of his mentor late Wilfy Rebimbus, whom he holds in high veneration.

"Organising musical shows involve expenditure as the expected standard has to be maintained. Personally it was not possible for me to put money and being shy and introvert it was not in my nature to go in search of sponsors for my musical nites," he says as he talks about the long and yawning gap between the 38th and the 50th nite scheduled held in Mangaluru. The last (38th) show was held in Mangaluru in August 2006 and it is almost after a decade his show is being organised in his home town. No doubt it has been a long journey for Kalashree Claud whose first solo musical nite was held in 1979 in Don Bosco Hall. Since then Claud Nites are organised from time to time in different parts of Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Middle East and even in Canada.


Compulsions beyond control

Whatever might be the compulsions it is said that it is better late than never and Claud D'Souza is all set to mark his golden jubilee nite with élan and with a stamp of his own on January 17th. The golden jubilee show is being held under the auspices of Karavali Konkans which has been quite active in promoting social and cultural cause of the Konkani speaking catholic community for the past several years. Claud being a parishioner of Bendore, St Sebastian Church, Bendore is also associating with Karavali Konkans in organising this gala musical programme. A galaxy of well-known Konkani singers Ivan Sequeira, Anita D'Souza, Archie Fernandes, Priyanka, Asha Menezes and Ashwin D Costa will join Claud in entertaining the 3000 odd music enthusiasts expected to attend the music show.

After the 38th nite Claud Nites were held outside Mangaluru mainly mainly in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Middle East and in Canada. Claud is the only Konkani artiste from Mangaluru who was flown from India to perform in Canada twice. Now, as a run up to celebrate the golden jubilee of his shows, six Claud Nites were organised in Mumbai from November 11 to 15th, 2015, bridging the gap that had begun with the 38th show. Konkani Kala Manch, Mumbai organised these nites in Mumbai and these show were received with an awe-inspiring response by Konkanis in Mumbai. And now Claud and his team is all set to present a blockbuster show in the presence of over 3000 crowd which is expected to throng the Bendoor church ground on January 17, 2016.


Modesty his virtue

As I ask him the secret of his longevity continuing as the evergreen shining star of Konkani music, he is slightly hesitant to enumerate his success. May be he feels his contribution is Lilliputian or is too diverse in assorted branches of Konkani and he is unable to put it in a nutshell. Despite his elephantine success as a multifaceted personality what is surprising is his humility that comes across in ample measure while conversing with him. Though he worked for about 4 years as an A C Mechanic, he is very vocal when he says his career in Konkani music and assorted fields was much more profitable than working for others and he decided to stick on to music.

It is however, not difficult to analyse the secret behind Claud’s longevity in Konkani stage in its various avatars. His commitment to his career in music is evident from the fact that the music beat group "Cosmic Rays" founded by him in 1978 along with Christopher, Joswin and Mervin could be having the distinction of being the longest surviving beat group. Having endured for 38 long years the onslaught of existing and new generation beat groups its survival certainly speaks volumes of Claud’s devotion and unflinching loyalty to Konkani music. The common wavelength of all the four members is equally responsible for its endurance.

It can be rightly said that music runs in his blood as his uncle was composing and singing songs and entertaining people through "Nathalancho Khel," organised in Bendore church premises during Christmas celebration. Being a bachelor he was part of the household and Claud has been inspired by the histrionics of his uncle. It was the Catholic Action League of Bendore that provided the platform initially and Claud’s talent blossomed under the watchful eyes Edwin Rodrigues whom he calls as his music guru. He learnt drums from Arnold Lobo, also from Bendore parish. Claud began to make his presence felt by composing songs for dramas. He also had acted in Dolfy Cascia’s plays and other plays staged by the Bendore parish.

It was by providence that Claud made an entry into Wilfy’s group as a Congo player, to begin with, in Wilfy’s 70th nite. Wilfy is known to encourage and guide other talents in the field and slowly Claud had graduated to singing some of the fast tracks of Wilfy. With the passage of time Wilfy even began to compose songs to suit the temperament and stage persona of Claud. The association continues even now though Wilfy is no more. "Associating with Wilfy is one of the most cherished periods of my life. He not only encouraged me but also guided me in my lyrics, compositions and even the rendering of the song. I used to show my songs to him and Wilfy with his invaluable experience guided me throughout my association with him," a grateful Claud recalls. Claud who partnered with Prem Kumar, another loyal member of Wilfy’s team, has entertained music lovers with some memorable duets.

As a tribute to this great legend who played a decisive role in shaping his music career, Claud is dedicating a song to his mentor Wilfy on the 50th nite titled "Konkan Kogulle Patin Ye" (come back Konkani Nightingale). Claud points out that this song has given him a sense of fulfilment and pleasure and I personally rate this as one of my good songs. In addition to his accomplishments as a singer composer, Claud has over 35 Konkani plays on social, historical and religious subjects, to his credit. He has 15 CD’s to his credit and has worked as a rhythm composer to albums of other artistes.


Contented

Claud is grateful to his parents, his wife Marie and daughters Maushmi and Melissa for all the support and encouragement they have given him in his pursuit to excel in Konkani stage. He also recalls with gratitude the support given by his friends, well-wishers in his success.

In his 60 summers Claud has fulfilled all his needs. But he could not fulfil his dream of going to Middle East in search of a career. "Those days going to gulf were common and I tried my level best but somehow I could not find a suitable job for my technical qualification. My friends, relatives and others tried but in vain," he explains. But Claud had his revenge as he has presented many shows in different parts of the Middle East.

"There is no retirement for musicians and the show must go on" he says scoffing off any plans of retirement. That is really good news for all fans of Claud D'Souza. With his commitment to Konkani music Claud is sure to entertain music lovers with some breathtaking tracking on his 50th musical nite and also in his next music shows. Let us hope Konkani music fans continue their patronage to Claud D'Souza.

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Prakash Dcosta, Kadri, Mangalore

    Sun, Jan 17 2016

    Dear Claud,
    Congratulations. Wish you all the best for your 50th Golden Nite. God bless you abundantly to continue to work for Konkani in the coming years too.
    Prakash D'Costa & Fly, Bahrain

    Reply Report Abuse Agree

  • Max Mendes, Taccode/Toronto

    Sun, Jan 17 2016

    Congratulations on a successful feat in your life. May you hit a century in your musical career. You are truly a versatile and talented artist, writer, singer, musician and an actor. God bless you and your family with greater success. We were truly privileged to have you perform at Canara Kala Saanz in Canada twice and god willing it will be our pleasure to have you perform here again.

    Best Wishes:

    Max & Nancy Mendes

    Reply Report Abuse Agree

  • Alwyn Crasta, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Fri, Jan 15 2016

    Congratulations Claud, on achieving this great milestone. With your multi-faceted achievements, you have made Mangaluru proud.

    Keep entertaining and making people happy. Wishing you all success in the future too and may God shower His choicest blessings on you, your team and your family.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [2]

  • Evans Chrisopher Sumitra, UDUPI/NEW YORK,USA

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    Kudos to the 50th CLAUD NITE. It will be a GOLDEN moment to all those attending that show. Best wishes to Claud D'souza and his team. Thanks to Florine Roche for the picture coverage. Also a big thanks to Joshwa D'souza for the pictures.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [3]

  • Terrence Dsouza, Vamanjore/Dubai

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    Wow... 50th Nite.... Great Claud. Wishing you a good success. May Lod Bless you.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [2]

  • Flavian Pinto, Bejai/Toronto

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    Congratulations Claud on achieving a major milestone in your life of 50 nites performance. We in Canada were fortunate to experience your multi faceted talent twice. You are a simple, honest, affectionate individual despite being a Konkani star and these qualities make you special. Dear ‘Kalashree’ may you live long and keep on entertaining Konkani lovers all around the globe.

    Flavian & Miriam

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [3]

  • Reshma/Ernest , Mangalore/Dubai

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    Congrats Claud Uncle
    Wish you all the Best.

    Best Wishes From
    Reshma,Ernest ,Evaristus and Ernma

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [3]

  • Dr Rohan Mendonsa, Pangla/Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    Dear Claud,Congatualations! When I was a kid, I remember you smiling in a friendly manner at me (I was so curious to see you), and that recognition from you meant a lot to me. I want to thank you for the great service rendered to Konkani music and entertaining us all these years. May God shower his choicest blessings on you.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [4]

  • Asmitha Crasta, sasthan

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    Congratulations uncle and all the best.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [5]

  • Steve, Kuwait

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    He has such a nice voice. Wonder why only 50 nites behind his name. Could have been another singing legend in Konkani music.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [3]

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    Hey Claud,
    we know that you are the best Konkani singer. All the best to you and your music.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [7]

  • Loy, Bendure

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    Claud congratulations & all the best for your 50th Nite. We all Bendurions know your love & passion for Konkani songs from our childhood days. Our prayers will be there with you always.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [5]

  • Nazeer Ahmed , Bikarnakatte

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    Congratulations Mr. Claudy !!!I wish you the best always. May there be many more Claud Nites in the years to come!

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [6]

  • Lance D' Costa, Mangalore / Abu Dhabi

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    Congratulations Claud....No doubt you are one of the greatest Konkani singers of our times. Your dedication towards Konkani language, songs and dramas is quite noteworthy. Your photographs bring back nice memories of the past. Wish you all the best and look forward to many many more Claud Nites to come all over the world.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [5]

  • Sunil, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    The soft spoken Claud with such a wonderful voice and creative vein is in my opinion a 'SUCCESSFUL KONKANI KALAKAR'. It needs amazing passion & dedication to achieve what he has so far as the younger generation of many of our native Konkani speakers are moving away from our mother tongue. Great achievement to have a 50th nite!! Wishing you a spectacular evening and many more.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [7]

  • SURESH MAROLI, MANGALORE/BAHRAIN

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    CONGRATS CLAUD. YOU ARE A ALL ROUNDER IN KONKANI ART & DRAMA. ONE OF THE GREAT KONKANI SINGER AFTER WILFY.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [8]

  • Preema D'Souza, Mangalore/Sharjah

    Thu, Jan 14 2016

    Congratulations Claudy!!! You are an evergreen singer. I wish you the best always. May there be many more Claud Nites in the years to come!

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [9]


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