Daijiworld Media Network - Sharjah
Report: Darrel Vamanjoor
Pics: Deepak Paladka, Stevan Paladka, Clifford Attur
Sharjah, Nov 26 : The desert land witnessed a beautiful breeze of melodious Konkani songs. The elders recalled their association with the songs composed by the late Wilfy Rebimbus which have become an integral part of every Konkani speaker's life, while the younger generation witnessed the glory of soothing Konkani songs. Indeed, it was an evening to be remembered for all Konkani music lovers in the UAE here, as St Michael's Mangalorean Konkani Community Sharjah (SMMKC) organized a mega Wilfy Nite at Al Ittihad Hall here on Friday, November 25. It was a memorable, long-awaited treat for the houseful audience who melodiously enjoyed the evening.
The musical evening began with the song 'Amso tumka namaskaar' by Meena, Veena and Vishwas Rebimbus. Altogether, the audience was treated to 19 songs of different genres during the course of the evening. The new songs composed by Veena, Vishwas and Meena Rebimbus too were part of the show. 'Moge ye' was performed by 'Gulf Voice of Mangalore - 2014' winner Joshal D'Souza. 'Konkan Myna' Meena Rebimbus presented the sentimental song 'Kuhu kuhu karn ghai kogule' in memory of the late 'Konkan Kogull' Wilfy Rebimbus. 'Garantli Ladai' by Master Joshwa D'Souza, Preema Rodrigues and Ratan Castelino was widely appreciated by the audience. Indeed, the confidence of budding singer Master Joshwa D'Souza on the stage mesmerized the audience.
The crowd was nostalgic and was enthralled when the evergreen songs like 'Muje naav pedru zuvav' was sung by Claude D'Souza, 'Madime daye ayena' sung by Ratan Castelino, 'Maria' by Ivan Fernandes, 'Sanz zali re' by Vishwas Rebimbus, 'Manglurantle komble ami' by the trio Vishwas Rebimbus, Claude and Ratan, 'Mother Teresa' by Vishwas and Veena, 'Mog tuzo kitlo ashelo' by Vishwas Rebimbus.
Veena Rebimbus Pais presented 'Sopnantlo Rai' and 'Asha' songs. Local talents Uttam Menezes and Lidwin Cutinho presented the song 'Honeymoon'. The composition of the late Wilfy Rebimbus 'UAE' which describes the beauty of the seven emirates of the UAE was brilliantly sung by Meena, Veena, Vishwas Rebimbus and Claude D'Souza. The patriotic song 'Muzo desh maka mogaso' was presented by local talents Godwin D'Souza, Uttam Menezes, Ivan Fernandes, Cresilla, Preema Rodrigues, Nisha Lobo, Joshal D'Souza and Lidwin Cutinho.
Preema Rodrigues sang 'Bhurgyaponacha ye bhagi sukha', 'Tuven kite molai' was presented by Ivan Fernandes and Joshal D'Souza. 'Christmas khelgadi' was sung by Ivan Fernandes, Rathan Castelino and Claude D'Souza.
The crowd burst out laughing during the comedy skits presented by team 'Kushaal Kalaakaars' comprising of Melwin Kalaakul, Shashiraj Ranipura and Joyline Niddodi. Rohan Kalaakul provided music to the comedy skits.
'Feet beat' dance troupe comprising of Nickson D'Souza, Jeethan D'cunha, Varun Crasta, Joyson D'souza, Mevis Pinto, Sharal D'Souza and Venissa Menezes presented contemporary dances during the show. The dances were choreographed by Arun Lobo, proprietor of 'Feet Beat' dance troupe.
The famous duo Pappan and Joswin provided the music. Manoj on tabla and dholak, Jackson on saxophone and trumpet, Arun Carlo on bass guitar, Pitambaram on rhythm pad, Joswin Pinto on lead guitar and Pappan on the keyboard mesmerized the audience.
Well-known compere Ronald Olivera compered the musical evening. Broadway events were flawless in providing lights and sounds to the event.
Inaugural Programme:
Earlier in the evening the programme began with a prayer song sung by SMMKC choir group. Fr Maxim Pinto, Fr Arun D'Souza, Roque Rego, Frank Lobo, Walter Nandalike and Joachim Menezes were present on the dais.
Joachim Menezes welcomed the gathering. Fr Maxim Pinto remembered the contribution of the late Wilfy Rebimbus and prayed for his soul. Roque Rego congratulated SMMKC for their great efforts in bringing up the event in his message. Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media Group appreciated the efforts of SMMKC in organizing the show and appreciated the audience who turned up to the event in a big number.
Thereafter, Meena, Veena and Vishwas Rebimbus were escorted to the stage with the standing ovation given by the houseful of Konkani music lovers. Walter Nandalike released a music CD comprising instrumental numbers composed by the late Wilfy Rebimbus during the event.
Stage Programme:
Joseph Mathias, Fr Maxim Pinto, Roque Rego, Joachim Menezes, Frank Lobo, Walter Nandalike, Cynthia Goveas and Anita D'Souza were present on the dais in the middle of the show for a brief stage programme.
'Konkan Myna' Meena Remimbus was honoured by the dignitaries for her outstanding contribution to the Konkani music field.
‘Ye Mhojea Bhangara’, Konkani album of Wilfred Fernandes, Kinnigoli/Abu Dhabi and Ronston Mascarenhas was re-released by 'Konkan Myna' Meena Remimbus.
The dignitaries honoured the sponsors Roque Rego, proprietor of Creative Land Equipment Rental LLC and Arabian Falcon Construction Equipment Trading LLC, Joachim Menezes, Proprietor of Felix Security Systems and Wavelink LLC, Frank Lobo, proprietor of Galaxy Star Electromechanical LLC, Joseph Mathias proprietor of Merit Freight Systems, Melwin of Johnson Arabia, Ivan Saldanha, Irine Rodrigues, James Mendonca of Reliable Fabricators LLC, Cynthia Goveas, Maxim Serrao, Kishore Noronha of Powerplus Switchgear Industry, Melwin D'silva, Regional manager of Air India Express, Gilbert D'souza of Al Tabadul Auto Workshop, Felix Moras of Ujwal properties.
Roque Rego, proprietor of Creative Land Equipment Rental LLC and Arabian Falcon Construction Equipment Trading LLC was the main sponsor of this event.
Young and energetic compere Vernon D'souza compered the stage programmes. Godwin D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
The raffle draw was held by Ocean Kids dance troupe and SMMKC organization. The first prize, a 43-inch LG smart TV and the second prize, a stay at executive 5-star hotel for one night for two couples which was sponsored by 'IBNII Spa Resort, Coorg, Karnataka' were presented to the winners.
The programme concluded with a rocking Baila.
Indeed, it was a great effort by SMMKC in putting up this event. Kudos to all the performers, organizers and a houseful of lovely audience!