Doha: Konkan Sambram - MCC Celebrates 15th Anniversary in Style
Media Release
Doha, Jan 20: The Mega Konkani Show ‘Konkan Sambhram 2008’ at the Doha Cinema on 18th January 2008, organized by Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) – Qatar, in its 15th year of existence, has created history as the biggest ever Mangalorean Konkani Show not only in Qatar but throughout the Middle-East by the sheer presence of almost all the biggest stars of Konkani music on the Mangalorean Konkani music scene. The show was enjoyed to the hilt by the huge crowd of Konkani music lovers from all over Qatar.
The Mega team comprising ‘Sangeeth Samrat’ – Henry D’Souza, ‘Yodeling King’ – Melwyn Peris, ‘Konkan Kalashree’ – Claud D’souza, ‘Konkan Manik’ – Wilson Olivera and Norbert Pereira , a Doha resident, was accompanied by the leading ladies of Mangalorean Konkani music, Anita Samson, Bela and Zeena Pereira. The foot tapping music was directed by ‘Music Maestro’ – Joel Pereira who was on the Keyboards and was ably supported by Theodore Alvares from Mumbai on the trumpet, Melwin Fernandes on the drums, Christopher Mascarenhas on the Base Guitar and Doha resident Nigel Pereira on Lead Guitar. Jerry Rasquinha the comedian was at his best in tickling the ribs of an enthusiastic crowd.
With a welcome note from the Club’s Cultural Secretary Alwyn D’Souza, the control of the evening was handed over to. Leslie Rego, the popular MC and compere from Mangalore who set the mood and kept the evening lively and interesting throughout, with his in-imitable style. The show opened with the song ‘Konkani Kalakaar’, composed by Melwyn Peris, and sung by all the singers of the evening.
In the formal function that followed, MCC President Mr. Norbert Corda addressed the gathering. The chief guest of the evening, H.E. Dr. George Joseph, Ambassador of India to Qatar, delivered his message and was all praise of the Club. The Guests of Honour Mr. & Mrs. Alfred & Rita Sequeira of Gulf International Enterprises were introduced. H.E. Dr. George Joseph then honoured Mr. Sequeira with a shawl and Mrs.Rita Sequeira with a basket of fruits for their dedicated service to the community and their continued patronage to the club. Mr. Sequeira delivered his message showing his appreciation and wished well to the club. Mrs. Rita Sequeira released the souvenir of ‘Konkan Sambhram –2008’ in the presence of the dignitaries with all the Club’s Executive Committee Members present on the stage. MCC’s member and local artiste Norbert Pereira’s third CD of Konkani songs, ‘Tuzo Mhozo Mog’ was released on this occasion by President Norbert Corda. Mrs. Riana Pinto, Joint Secretary compered this formal function.
The singers were then introduced individually onto the stage through solo numbers by each of the five stars of the evening, beginning with Konkan Samrat’s ‘Bodolla’, Konkan Kalashree’s ‘Bapoipona’, Konkan Manik’s ‘Punvecho Chandrem’ Norbert’s ‘Mog Zalo’ and the Yodeling King’s ‘Budvontkai’. The evening took the audience down the memory lane through the ever green Golden Oldies of Henry, ‘Gharacho Divo’ ‘Chondrem Udevn Ailo’, ‘Ami Dogi Sezara’ and of course the unforgettable ‘Ye Ye Katrina’ and took to the sky through the newer numbers of the younger Claud’s ‘Ko Ko Re Ko’ ‘Mogachem Bai’ ‘Goinkara,/Manglurkara’ and ‘Mario’; Melwyn’s ‘Nisha’ ‘Dhadbhad Nach’ ‘Hero’ ‘Sobith Choli’ and ‘Dolle’; Wilson’s ‘Cuckoo’, ‘Kalki Raat’, ‘Baile Baile’ and ‘Kazar Zauncho Novro’ and Norbert’s ‘Mog Zalo’, ‘Tuzo Muzo Mog’ and ‘Pavs’. The leading ladies of Konkani music, Anita and Zeena joined the ‘Pancha Pandavas’ in their duets and also sang some beautiful solos. In all there were 25 songs which were thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by the crowd who took to impromptu dancing and whistling, filling the performers with encouragement and satisfaction.
Scintillating dances for 6 songs were choreographed by Nancy Pereira (Mog Zalo, Tuzo Mozo Mog and Pavs), Shalini Monteiro (Dhadbhad Nach), Annette Venkat (Ami Dogi Sezara) and Celia D’Souza (Dolle) enthralled the viewers. In all there were 41 dancers, including tiny tots, youngsters and adults.
Comedian Jerry Rasquinha along with local artistes Ronald Rodrigues and Fredrick D’Souza entertained the crowd with their witty humour in between the numbers. MC Leslie Rego, Claud and Melwyn also had their share in having the crowd in splits of laughter.
The music provided by Joel and his troupe was spellbinding. Graphics, video clips and stills projected onto the giant movie screen of the cinema by Farook Parkar perfectly blended with the theme of the songs. The scenes of flora, fauna and landscapes and popular culture of Mangalore had nostalgic effect on the audience.
The Guests of Honour Mr. & Mrs. Sequeira felicitated the artistes of the show and presented them with mementos on behalf of Mangalore Cricket Club. The felicitation programme was compered by Mrs. Reena Castelino. Mrs. Dephny Lobo, Club General Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks.
The overwhelming response from the audience is a testimony to the success of this Mega event which lasted for five hours, is truly a MEGA SAMBHRAM of KONKANI which created a history. This is the first time so many Mangalorean artistes shared the same stage.
MCC feels proud for organizing such an event and thanks each and everyone who have contributed to the success of the show. MCC especially thanks the Main Sponsor ‘SAL Contracting & Trading’, Prestige Sponsor ‘Construction Development Co. (CDC), Official Carrier: Air India Express, Associate sponsors: Al Amer Garage & Transport, Integral Food Services, Amico Contracting, Doha Bank, Support Sponsors: Qatar Airways, Gulf International Enterprises, Grand Transport & Contracting, Al Abdulla Trading & Contracting Est., Integra International, Shahajan Trading, Apollo Fleet, Advance Technical Services and Oriental Enterprises and all other sponsors for their whole hearted and valuable support without which this mega event been possible.