Mangalore: United Youngsters Honour Five Konkani Artistes at 247th Wilfy Nite
by Florine Roche
Pics by Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Aug 15: With India celebrating its 63rd independence day there were celebrations of different and people rejoiced in their own way. For the connoisseurs of Konkani music this Independence Day proved to be a memorable one as they were treated to some unforgettable songs of their favourite singer Wilfy Rebimbus and their group of singers who entertained the assembled fans to their heart’s content. The singers regaled the audience with some fast numbers of yesteryears from some of the memorable albums of Wilfy. Songs featured in some old Konkani dramas were also presented to the enthusiastic fans that had assembled in large numbers at the Don Bosco Hall in the city and the fans could not have asked for a better evening as Independence Day gift. The good old numbers brought memories flooding back as many assembled were seen humming to the tunes of these popular numbers which were and are still household names in Konkani speaking homes.
The 247th Wilfy Nite proved to be a memorable one also for five senior artistes of United Youngsters who were honored in recognition of their service and continued association with the organization contributing to its success in the last 50 years of its existence. Senior artistes Avitas Adolphus Coutinho (popularly known as Dolla to his fans), Ivan Sequeira, Mervyn Pinto, Christopher Mascarenhas and Claude D Souza were honoured with a gold medal, shawl, a citation and fruits and flowers by the chief guest of the occasion Fr Walter D’ Mello, Parish priest of Milagres Church. Editor-in-Chief of Daijiworld.com Walter Nandalike and Richard Moras of “Konkani Kutam” were the guests of honour.
Fr Walter D Mello termed Wilfy Rebimbus as “The King” of Konkani art, culture and music. “Through his songs and music Wilfy has created a niche in the hearts and minds of Konkani people. His contribution to Konkani culture would remain for years to come and would be a precious gift to posterity”. To Wilfy and Meena he said “There is no one who can equal you”, he said singing to the tune of a popular song. Fr D’ Mello said that apart from an artiste par excellence Wilfy was a great leader who showed his leadership qualities resulting in more than 250 parishioners getting records of rights of their properties in Jeppu. Wishing the singing couple many more fruitful years of singing he quipped “Your best is yet to come”.
Guest of honor Walter Nandalike in his address stated that at a time when the trend is to work for different organizations senior members of United Youngsters have shown exemplary commitment by associating with the same organization for 30 years and above. “Their association with the organization and their unstinted support is a proof of the greatness of Wilfy who has won the hearts of his artistes and fans alike”, he pointed out. He added “Just like a prophet is not respected in his own place of birth many artistes are not given due respect in their own land. In the last 50 years these 5 senior artistes of United Youngsters have done yeoman’s service to the cause of Konkani art, language and culture. It is befitting to honour them in their home town for their services to our mother tongue”.
Richard Moras of “Konkani Kutam” said that all Konkani loving people should strive hard to ensure that Wilfy gets his due in the form of a national award for his; contribution to Konkani language. “Though Wilfy has been honored his services would be recognized suitably only when he gets a national award. If we succeed in getting this award to him that would be the greatest tribute to his talents”, he opined.
Singer and actor Claude D Souza, who spoke on behalf of all the honored artistes who were honored this evening, recalled his 25 years of association with United Youngsters and said that the artistes were fortunate to be recognized and honored for their contribution to Konkani. Claude who began his association with Wilfy and his United Youngsters said “I had nurtured a dream from my childhood to sing in Wilfy Nite. I started off as a Congo player and got a chance to sing in the 75th Wilfy Nite with the song “Gate Keeper”. I gate crashed with this song never to look back or return”, he said eliciting laughter from the people.
The stage programme which began a 5.30 pm lasted an hour and the cultural programme continued for 3 hours to end at 9.30 p m. Being the Independence Day the programme began with a patriotic song penned by Wilfy “Vande Mataram – Ho muzo swatantr Desh” sung by Veena, Vishwas, Prem and Babitha. Meena sang a solo number “Ashaa” followed by songs by Munita Veigas, Ivan Sequeira, Prem, Veena, Vishwas, Claude, Babitha and another patriotic number by children. Veena extolled the virtues of motherhood with the sentimental number “Avai thi Avai. Claude D Souza sang he fast number “namv thachen Bobby, Rakon to rav maka Bobby, Hamv vason yetha Abu Dhabi”.
The assembled crowd seems to be waiting for the star Konkan Kogul Wilfy Rebimbus who finally came to the stage with Meena in the second half to sing the famous duet “Suryo Budon”. Vishwas also sang a duet romantic number with his wife Charleen “mog na mog na”. Songs like Marina, Emilia, Mangurantle Komble ami were presented to the audience. Some of the songs were accompanied by dance numbers by members of “Thunder Guys” that greatly enhanced the visual attraction of the programme. Music to the programme was provided by Pappan-Joswin. The crowd finally took to the stage to dance to the last number “Pavlama Ye” sang by Meena and group. The monetary in between the songs was broken by comedy and jokes provided by Dolla-Kulla and members of Memory Comedy. The programme was compered by Lesli Rego, a member of United Youngsters, in his usual inimitable style which also kept the audience glued to their seats.
The 247th Wily Nite was presented by United Youngsters as part of its Golden Jubilee Celebration with extra focus on the fast numbers of yesteryears. The entry was free and was restricted to invitees. As free invitations were available with members of United Youngsters Wilfy fans made use of the opportunity to be at the venue in time with the invitation as they did not want to be disappointed. It may be recalled that recently United Youngsters had successfully organized a gala show at T M A Pai Auditorium. The tickets of the show were sold out well in advance disappointing thousands who had thronged to the hall. Todays programme was aimed at providing an opportunity for fans to once again to enjoy Wilfy’s songs and was the third grand programme in the golden jublilee year of United Youngsters.
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