Media Release

Doha, Mar 15: Time and again, year after year, the much awaited grand gala traditional event is all set for crowning glory at 19th Annual May Queen Ball organised by the Goan Welfare Association, Qatar (GWA) in collaboration with Orbit Events and Marketing on April 25 at the Radisson Blu Doha from 7.30 pm onwards.

By public demand, Lorna, the Nightingale of Goa will be back in Doha again to perform for May Queen Ball along with Forefront, Goa’s number one and India’s most celebrated live band from the western Indian state of Goa. Jam packed Lorna Cordeiro’s fans crammed into Giwana Ballroom at Radisson Blu Doha last November to witness the ‘Nightingale of Goa’, during the event called Orbital Nite 2018 which was an astounding success. There was a huge applause when Lorna entered on the stage with the eager crowd enthusiastically screaming Lorna, Lorna, the diva glided across the stage flawlessly singing, wherein she thanks the almighty for the gift of her voice. It was a standing ovation from the crowd with her ‘Aikat Mojo Tallo’ and sweeps the crowd off their feet. It is a golden opportunity for those who missed Lorna’s performance last time to make it on April 25, for May Queen Ball. Huge fans of Lorna has demanded to bring her back and people are eagerly awaiting to attend the show at Radisson Blu Doha.

(Left to Right) Band leader Seby Pinto, Savio Fernandes, Dave Rodrigues, Melvin Rosario, Brendan Noronha, and lead vocalist Agatha Jilugo (sitting)

Lorna Cordeiro - Nightingale of Goa

Norman Cardozo: Music Director

Joaquim Dsouza: Saxophone and special effects

Updesh Swar: Rock-Star of Goa

The novelty of Lorna, who started her career as a jazz singer, is her intense mellifluous voice which along with popular Chris Perry compositions, have seen her performing for fans all over the world including Middle East, USA, UK, France, Portugal, Africa, New Zealand and Switzerland.

The highlight of the event will be crowning of 19th May Queen by the bollywood celebrities. The annual May Queen Ball is the signature event of GWA that has grown from strength to strength over the years and the guests from Europe, United States, Canada, Africa, Gulf Countries and home country are expected in huge numbers to attend along with local guests. The 19th anniversary of May Queen will be an exciting and fun filled blockbuster as popular bollywood celebrities will patronize the event. After successful 18 years of organization, first time May Queen contest will be open to all from the age limit of 17 to 40 years and the marital status will not be mandatory. Simon D’Silva, president of Goan Welfare Association has said that this is an opportunity for the ladies who always were requesting to allow them to part-take in the contest. D’Silva, said 19th year onwards, it will be a new trend and new concept with more fun, excitement and more people can participate. This year the event has been preponed in April due to the Holy month of Ramadan that is beginning in the first week of May 2019, said Simon D’Silva. He also announced attractive prizes for the participants and winners like diamond, gold, airline tickets, wrist watches, five star hotel vouchers for over-night stays and dinning, electronic items, valuable cosmetics and many more surprises in galore.

The Goan Welfare Association (GWA) has been the face and voice of Goans living in the tiny oil-rich country of Qatar for the last 19 years without any doubt. Ably led by affectionate and multi-talented Simon D’Silva. Since inception, the association has rendered yeoman’s service in nurturing Goan culture and spirit among the large number of Goan expatriates. On a larger note the association has always been in the forefront of reaching out to various causes, thus setting a shining example to all. It is therefore not astonishing to see them host events with great aplomb and success for nearly two decades. The association is known not only for meticulous planning but also perfect execution and the annual May Queen Ball has been a true example for this.

Forefront took off into the music world for over two decades and from then it was no looking back. The success story of Forefront lies in the music they play, with strong stage presence and a distinct ability in sensing the pulse of their audiences. Their extensive repertoire of music such as English retro, classic rock, bollywood, latest from billboard charts and Goan music is what they deliver which makes every party a big success. The band is powered by six top musicians, namely Agatha Jilugo on lead vocals, Savio Fernandes on drums and vocals, Melvin Rosario on guitar and vocals, Brendan Noronha on keyboards, Band leader Seby Pinto on bass and vocals and frontman Dave Rodrigues on guitar and lead vocals.

Good music is essential for the success of any musical event and so is a good music director. Norman Cardozo has worked hard with determination and perseverance and won him the enviable tag of Music Director. A soft spoken, rather who has trotted across the globe on professional assignments from the Gulf States to Europe, and far across the Pacific to Canada, USA, Africa, New Zealand and Geneva taking music to the world. Norman is the music director for Lorna who will be supported by Saxophone Maestro Joaquim De Souza. He performs frequently with the band Forefront and other leading bands in Goa. De Souza is the music director for the bollywood film, ‘Damad Ke Intazaar Main’. Joaquim’s musical roots dig deep in his family. His uncle Manuel De Souza played the saxophone under reputed music director from R.D. Burman to A. R. Rehman.

Along with Forefront, teaming up with them, Goa’s top host and ace compere Updesh Swar. He is a sensation in Goa and all over India including abroad who has a unique hold over the audience. Updesh’s eloquent, witty compering is second to none. Even though he has compered at the event a number of times, each time he comes up with a new and unique style.

May Queen Ball is one of the eagerly-awaited annual events in Doha and every year it attracts full-house audience who make it a memorable event. The glamorous May Queen contest will be conducted in great style and fanfare. The event is open to all nationalities and contestant’s age limit is between 17 to 40 years. For details, please call 55550491, 55530823, 55218480, 55529397, 66586858, 55826298, 66512905, 66251577, 55944387 and 55836471.

Tickets price is Qrs 150 (Adult) and Qrs 100 (Child 5-10 years). Dress code is formal.

The main sponsor of the event is Qatari Industrial Equipment, official airline Qatar Airways, official bank Doha Bank, official hotel Radisson Blu Doha and media partner is Gulf Times and daijiworld.com.