M'lore: Claud's Illustrious Musical Journey from Bendore to Canada
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MM/AF)
Pic: Dayanand Kukkaje
Mangalore, Mar 23: Claud D'Souza, Konkani's well-known music composer, singer, actor, director will set foot on Canadian soil for the first time ever after performing more than 42 nites in Mumbai, Mangalore and Middle Eastern countries. He will be the centre of attraction at the CANARA KALA SAANZ 2008, a cultural show organised by Max Mendes Group, a platform to showcase the talents of the community.
Claud spoke exclusively to daijiworld.com in its office in Mangalore recently, regarding his success story and his much awaited 'Canara Kala Saanz' show in Canada.
Having made a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of scores of people across the Gulf and the Konkani community, 51-year-old Claud D'Souza is all set to captivate the imagination of Canadians with 'Canara Kala Saanz' on Sunday March 30.
The noted singer, composer and dramatist has given musical shows in all the Gulf countries except Saudi Arabia. Songs like ‘Wilma Maria…,’ ‘Konkni Shikay…,’ ‘Altar…’ etc made him an eminent composer in the Mangalorean Konkani community. So far he has released 5 CDs and 13 volumes of his songs. He has also composed over 700 Konkani songs.
His contribution to the Konkani drama field is also commendable. He has written about 25 dramas and skits so far. ‘Bapa Tankan Bhogshi,’ a religious drama which was staged at Kulshekhar church grounds a few years ago further enriched his popularity.
In between all these busy activities, he is managing a beat group called ‘Cosmic Rays,’ which was also founded by him. The beat group has already completed three decades of existence. One can rarely find such an old beat group in south India. This is another achievement of Claud D’Souza that has made him unique among the Mangalorean Konkani artistes.
It was his uncle Nicholas Pereira who greatly inspired him in his early days. Nicholas would compose songs for Christmas plays and other occasions in Bendore with Claud observing his activities keenly. Claud’s confidence and popularity was boosted when he successfully composed songs for various dramas organized by Catholic Action League in Bendore. He was just 18 when he started compose songs. Catholic Action League used to organize frequent dramas during those days, thus enabling Claud to showcase his prodigious music and acting abilities.
The turning point in his illustrious career came when eminent Konkani singer Wilfy Rebimbus recognized his talents and invited him to perform in his programmes. Well-known dramatist Austin D’Souza Prabhu also gave him the opportunity to act in his dramas. Since then he has never looked back.
Claud says that support to Konkani dramas has decreased in recent times, but the music field has retained its identity and moved from strength to strength. Unlike Kannada and Hindi song composers, Konkani composers are coming up with good lyrics and even the literature has maintained its excellence. Therefore, Konkani musical field has retained its strong base even though competition has increased in the recent years, he adds.
His humility comes to the fore when he admits that he never dreamt of achieving such great heights in Konkani music and drama arenas during the small hours of his career. He takes pride in his daughter Melissa who has followed in his footsteps and won laurels as a singer.
He feels honoured about being given an opportunity to perform in Canada. In fact, he is the only guest artiste invited to perform there on March 30. He will be singing eight songs on the occasion, of which almost all are romantic songs. The audience will definitely enjoy his songs, he assures.
Daijiworld also spoke to brain behind this event - Max Mendes.
Excerpts from his interview:
What is the objective of Canara Kala Saanz?
Canara Kala Saanz is an initiative to promote, encourage and revive, instil the love for our traditions, culture and language. By participating in cultural events like these the youth not only get an opportunity to showcase their talents but also encourages the Mangaloreans to maintain their ties with their homeland.
What made you choose Claud?
Claud needs no introduction to Mangaloreans in Canada. He is a great composer, singer and mesmeriser of Konkani music lover’s heart. He has written more than 700 songs and lyrics and released 13 albums. We are privileged to have such an artist with us.
What is the response and feedback from the Mangalorean community?
Most of them have applauded our efforts, as this is a rare occasion for the Mangaloreans in Canada. Our community has maintained and sustained Mangalorean food delicacies; traditional dressing standards, Monthi fest, folk dances, and they sing Konkani songs at functions. Now they are delighted to see more Mangalorean artists who come here and perform.
What are your challenges in organising these shows?
Apart from finance, visa arrangement for our artists is a major challenge. Although our community supports the programmes wholeheartedly, we still need to make every effort to bring 500 plus guests to these shows.
How do the local Canadian take to your initiatives?
Canada supports and promotes multiculturalism. Mr. Omar Alghabra, Member of Parliament will be attending and inaugurating this show, in spite of his busy schedule. There are several non Mangalorean Canadians participating in our shows. This shows that as a community our efforts are being recognised.
What is your suggestion to other overseas Mangaloreans?
There are lot of shows, cultural events in Gulf countries and we envy them. However other continents need to take initiative and leadership to promote Mangalorean artists to perform in their respective countries/continents.
Your future plans?
On the successful completion of this event, it will be time to take the next step and organize the next event. It is our ardent desire to give as much support as we can to other talented Mangalorean artists in the future by organizing their shows in North America
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