Dubai: 14 Singers Qualify for 'Gulf Voice of Mangalore' Semi-Finals
Report by Vanitha D'Souza
Pics: Vivian Pinto
Dubai, Apr 25: On this warm sunny Friday, the Konkani – speaking community was entertained and enthralled by the melodious voices of its people of various age groups in love with their language and culture. This was all the more evident, with each group category outperforming the other.
Team behind the success: The Mangalore Konkans Members
This year the singing contest organized by the Mangalore Konkans Dubai, was based on the theme ‘Family’. Besides the usual solo, duet and group participation, a new group category titled “Sangeeth Kutamb” – Family Singing was introduced for the first time to engage parents and children to participate together in the fine art of vocals.
The program began at 10 am with the Female and Male Solo singing competition ‘Streeyanchem Ekodem Gayan’ and ‘Dadlyanchem Ekodem Gayan’ (18 years and above). The contestants from different Emirates numbering 33 in all are a great encouragement to our youth.
Gulf Voice of Mangalore qualifiers
This contest was also the preliminary round for selection to the “Gulf Voice of Mangalore”. 14 best performers are chosen for the semi – finals representing the United Arab Emirates. Second round of 'Gulf Voice of Mangalore' will be held in October 2008 at the Indian Highschool Auditorium Dubai. Two finalists will fly Kuwait to participate in the last round.
The contestants of other categories of the Pratibha Spordho took part in the afternoon session, after relishing the sumptuous lunch hosted by the Mangalore Konkans Dubai to all the participants and audience..
The children’s solo singing competition ‘Mankanchim Gayanah’ (6 – 9 years), opened the afternoon session after the lunch break; followed by the ‘Yuvajananchim Gayanah (10 – 13 years) and Yuvajananchim Gayanah (14 – 17 years)
Listening to these kids sing, it is hard to believe that we are far away from our homeland and are living in a foreign country and culture. The enunciation and understanding of the lyrics was perfect even in children as young as 6 years old. It was a joy and great pride to everyone present to hear our little ones and teenagers sing to their heart’s content in our mother tongue.
The adult duet ‘Bhorshi Dhodem Gayan’, group singing ‘Zamya Gayanah’ and family singing ‘Sangeeth Kutamb’ categories were next. Each presentation, some with instruments and costumes, was heartfelt and very enjoyable. This was a showcase for the talent present in the Konkani – speaking community residing in the U.A.E., which is abundant, spirited and vital for the survival of this great language and culture. Besides which, the harmonious voices of all these enthusiastic singers made us dream of home in Mangalore and Goa.
Truly singing and listening to music in a particular language helps one to learn and grasp that tongue better. What better way to encourage our children and youth to continue to love and cherish their mother tongue – Konkani than to teach them to sing and compete with pride in the language of their forefathers.
President of Mangalore Konkans, Rachana Awardee was felicitated by the members with a momento.
Apolinaris D'Souza, famous composer, singer who came all the way from Oman was one of the judges along with Olinda Goveas, Errol Goveas, Jossy Moras, Olivia Rodrigues, Cassey D'Souza
Rajesh Sequeira and Valerian Peris compered the entired event.
The special prizes of the day were :
‘Unique Voice of the day’ prize awarded to Jerry Socorro Desouza and
‘President’s Best Performer’ prize awarded to Asha Correa.
Talent Contest Winners:
Solo – 6 to 9 yrs
Claton D’Souza
Nicole Pinto
Ambria Pearl Dsouza
Solo – 10 to 13yrs
Kevin D’Souza
Hansel Lobo
Lyrel Lasrado
Solo – 14 to 17 yrs
Yash Pinto
Giselle Lobo
Avril Maria Pinto
Solo (Female) – Age 18 yrs+
Asha Fernandes
Asha Correa
Veera Rodrigues
Solo (Male) – Age 18 yrs +
Ronald Lobo
Jerry Socorro Desouza
Roshan D’Costa
Mixed Duet – Age 18 yrs +
Roshan D’Costa and Olinda D’Souza
Donny Correa and Asha Correa
Ronald Lobo and Lolita Lobo
Family – Open to all
Hilda Rodrigues, Veera Rodrigues, Asha Correa and Donny Correa
Stany, Linet and Kevin D’Souza
Rudolph, Cynthia, Ramsel and Avril Pinto
Group – Open to all
Alphonso Mendonsa, Donald Pinto, Ronald Lobo, Lolita Pinto, lavina Rodrigues, Helen Pinto, Placy Mendonca, Edwin D’Souza, Leena D”Souza and Sharmila D'Souza
Henry D’Almeida, Reniyar R. Crasta, Veera Rodrigues, Dinesh Correa, Donny Correa, Asha Correa
Fabella Anugraha Pinto, Doreen Lobo, Roshan D’Costa, Nithin D’Souza, Anup Pinto, Lee D’Almeida and Oswald Tauro
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