Media Release
By Gasper Crasto
Kuwait, Mar 22: Goa is coming up with talented youngsters in all spheres. The youth are breaking the ceilings to showcase their flair. But passion, hard work and zeal are the only way forward.
We have an upcoming, passionate little star based in Kuwait - Valanka Fernandes, aspiring to be a ‘Tiatrist’ of the highest standards. Lorna and Olga Vaz are her idols while she rates Maestro Shahu Almeida as her favorite musician.
The only child of Betty and Victor Fernandes hailing from Afament, Shiroda, Valanka is someone who dons many hats.
Since her days as a kindergarten student at Bhavans Jack and Jill, Valanka has been active in competitions like fancy dress, poem recitations, talk shows etc.
She has always won prizes in the top-three positions at most activities that she has taken part in.
Academic background
Within a short span of time, Valanka learned Indian classical dance and until now continues to learn from different dance academies.
A student at Delhi Public School (DPS), Valanka is a regular in activities such as sports, dance, singing, etc. The little girl also has a penchant for art and drawing which she acquired under a professional tutor.
Valanka also has a blue belt in karate.
“I am just very happy to learn more and more, and demonstrate my God-given talent,” says Valanka.
The energetic schoolgirl is equally focused on her studies achieving percentages above 90% in her academics.
Valanka learned the keyboard from 2014 until 2019. Then, she changed her mind to learn drums and is now attending drums classes.
She has performed on the keyboard at various musical shows organized for the public.
The multi-talented girl is an active member of Angel’s Choir at the Ahmadi parish. She is also a member of Kids for Christ Community, Ahmadi parish unit which has a number of kids’ activities. She has been chosen to lead the Kids for Christ dancing and singing groups, respectively.
Performances
Valanka first got her opportunity in Konkani shows when Norma, one of the parishioners, recommended her to Goan director Dominic Fernandes for a song that he directed in a Mangalurean show.
The show, called ‘Konkani Divas’ was celebrated at Carmel School auditorium, Kuwait. It was a day-long programme that comprised of competitions namely comedy, dance, and singing with nearly 1,000 people watching.
Again, it was Dominic who cast Valanka on a big stage in (KKM) Kuwait Konknni Mogi’s ‘Unique Musical Show’ in November 2019 that featured stars from Goa and London. Valanka sang a solo in the show, and also featured in a kid’s trio alongside Aaron D’Souza and Valentino Pinto. Both songs were well applauded and encored.
“I will always remember my first musicians who helped on stage especially keyboardist Shawn Rodrigues who trained me up with beautiful music, and other stalwarts like drummer Tony, Sir Faustino, Dennis Gonsalves, Bongo player Menino and Goa’s popular saxophonist Roy Menezes,” recalls Valanka.
Valanka was cast yet again in KKM’s Live Facebook Musical Show in February 2021.
Watch out for the little star
The little star is now chosen to shine in a live stream show by Navelim stars in Kuwait, who are presenting ‘Goenche Online Superstar’ on April 16. The show will have a variety of songs and comedy.
“I am very excited about this show, and I hope I have more and more opportunities to perform in Konkani, and show my talent to my loving Goans,” concludes Valanka.
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