By Gasper Crasto
Kuwait, Sept 29, 2010: Musicians usually specialize in particular types of music although there can be the opportunity to move between the genres. The job requires high levels of skill, expertise and dedication. Most musicians do their job as they have a passion for music.
Kuwait based Goan musician Shahu Almeida, first Goan musician to play a one-man band in dramas, has been playing a variety of music right from his young age. He ventures his skills into direction and singing in a Konkani songs video (DVD) album comprising select Goan artistes based in Kuwait.
The album, entirely shot and produced in Kuwait is scheduled to go public on 1st October 2010 at Kuwait Medical Association Hall, Jabriya, Kuwait.
For decades Konkani language songs 'Cantaram' on radio and on stage have been taking their cues from real life. Konkani singers are quick to get across their views, on life and day-to-day issues, with stunning boldness, criticism and satire.
Expecting the unexpected in 'Musician'
However, in a video film, the challenge any videographer faces is to create a video that keeps the ‘watcher’ captivated. It requires an extra effort spent on special effects and specialized editing techniques. Those who are new to the business may not have time to develop such techniques as they refine more basic capabilities—like learning to shoot efficiently or streamline their editing workflow—before finding the specialities. Ignatius Fernandes, the editor of the film realizes the time and burden that these demands add to a typical edit and has covered it up with a very decent cinema-photography.
‘Musician’ doesn’t have creative elements to boast of but it definitely portrays fabulous artistic quality in both Shahu the musician and Ignatius the videographer. The DVD has sparkling quality in clarity.
Being shot in Kuwait, many would expect the unexpected with Ignatius to exploit what the structural beauty of Kuwait City has to offer. Still, Shahu and Ignatius have done a tremendous job. Shooting a video-film in a country like Kuwait, known for it’s strict legislation for outdoor filming, is difficult indeed. But Ignatius, the young, budding filmmaker shows great potential and professionalism with a more than average creation.
Everyone loves to sing. Including me. They say singing voice of a human is the most capable and complex instrument that is known to man. There is a complicated collaboration of vocal cords, tongue, lips, teeth, the change of the pitch of the voice, the use of calculated breath restraint or release, volume, and ‘timbre’. The combination of this with techniques of vocal training gives a breathtaking result.
A well-known band leader of 2S#arp, a musical group in Kuwait, crooning non-stop medleys is a regular flamboyance for Shahu. In ‘Musician’, he has endeavored hard to voice the opening song and he should be appreciated for the effort. With time and experience, he should be able to make a remarkable progress.
There are songs that make you feel some kind of way about things that you go through in life, sequenced with scenes nicely enacted by Mestri Camilo Vaz, Joseph Rodrigues, Agusto Morais, Adella Morais, Domnic Mascarenhas and the ever imitable Lawry Miranda.
Age in it’s mythic ways defines everyone individually in a co-existing, beautifully established world. The tune and lyrics of Rosary Ferns’ song Ponchtis Vorsam are incredible and once again shows the class of the seasoned singer.
Devak Zago Poilo
Many of our Goan singers have got a great drive to sing with their heart and their diaphragm. Sylvester Vaz and Irene’s song ‘Devak Zago Poilo’ is sure to captivate everyone. Some Konkani fans will not be able to get it out of their mind. The song is just too beautiful. Anyone can actually relate to this song. I do believe that Sylvester is just gifted not only with voice but also with the melodies. His song should receive very high acclaim and much positive reception for its magnificent composition.
Sylvester has another solo 'Konn Zait Tho' which is also rich and admirable.
‘Onupkari Put’ sung by Johny de Sirvodem and Gracy Morais has the most beautiful, inspiring and touching lyrics in modern times. The song continues in such a way that one is bound to cry the first time they sit down to watch it.
Gracy has a sweet, tender voice. The words sound so amazing and real in her expression. When I hear her voice, I always imagine she is singing to me. The song is gonna capture everyone’s attention and soul.
Kuwait's Trio Kings
The DVD consists 2 solid trios by Cajetan de Sanvordem-Mario de Majorda-Michael de Silva. Cajetan de Sanvordem is blessed and he never disappoints. His voice and music in the song ‘Global Crisis’ are in sync and you know what, people will love his ‘rhythmic style’ whilst singing. Michael D'Silva is a sterling composer-singer in his own right. With Kuwait’s popular artiste Mario de Majorda, the threesome put up great treble voices of Segundo-premier-bass. I’d give the song a 12/10 given the existing situation in the world, and especially in the middle-east.
The trio’s other song on ‘Kuwaitchi Margai’ is commendable too. Some people would find it undeniably confusing though, the way Michael proclaims ‘atam dinarak viktat Sadia Chicken’ in the chorus, as the price of chicken displayed visibly reads 795 fils in Arabic!
The last verse of the song is also ‘chilling’ in its implication. Not many will appreciate projecting the ‘local’ drinks which are arguably unfamiliar to most people in this non-alco-holy country. For sure nobody wants to soil innocent Kuwait or project the country to the outside world otherwise!
Katty de Navelim sings ‘Dadlo’ in his most powerful voice. His lyrics perhaps come from personal experience. I honestly feel sorry for always having to have experienced these emotions myself, even if, without the experience Katty would never have written the song.
'Maim ani Pai’ sung by little Gaynelle and Jeremiah is amazing indeed and nicely filmed, but I feel awful even attempting to understand the pain and anguish written in it. The picturisation of the aristocratic looking Jeremiah and Gaynelle fails to bring the desired misery and sadness to the song.
Comedy Queen Querobina makes her presence felt with ‘Sri-Lankan’, supported by Emalio.
‘Amchea Bapa’ by Bab Agnel is so significant and means so much, because it reminds us that even when we feel completely wise in the world, we are not. There will always be someone else who feels the same too.
The lyrics of Edward’s ‘Almaar’ are good and sung with a pleasant, smiley face, backed by excellent flow of music by Shahu and his troupe. However, the melody is too Goaniversal to be an all-time standout.
I am sure the video will go well with fans. But Konkani speaking audiences worldwide are much wiser by the day. People do not view videos as just a way to kill time, they judge. That people don’t compliment or comment too openly is a different matter. However, Shahu’s debut album seems to be much ahead of time. Let’s hope and pray, artistes in Kuwait get together with the maestro and make more amazing videos in days to come.
The digital Video CD, lovingly dedicated by Shahu to his beloved parents, should reach everybody out there who’s not yet heard of the great ‘Musician’.
2#Sharp to miss this band...
By Gasper Crasto
Kuwait, Sept 26, 2008: In recent years, a wide range of skilled ensembles have helped raise the profile of Goan music both nationally and internationally.
Amongst the contemporary big names of musicians, the name of Francis Almeida, popularly known as Shahu hailing from Macasana - Goa, shines amongst the stellar bracket of Goa's top-notch musicians with his indispensable contribution towards the art.
Shahu may be recognized more in the genre of dramas. But behind his simplicity, is the unmistakable halo of his talent as a star musician of Goan bands. With his past penchant and passion for innovative, brilliant music, Shahu has teamed up with Clevie Fernandes – a young Goan crooner from Bombay (born in Kuwait), to continue on what he loves to do best – hypnotize his listeners to a magical sway.
Clevie, whose parental home is in Raia - Goa, has been a fan of Shahu right from childhood days. He was a member of Funky Heads, the famous event organizers in Goa where he was involved in hosting mega programs like Channel 'V' Live, Bacardi Blast annuals, Radio Mirch, etc.
"Playing dance and party music is much simpler for me," reveals Shahu, "Unlike in dramas where I have to play complex tunes, playing pop and party music demands minimum of efforts because I know what exactly I am going to play. Ofcourse we practice a lot and we are armed with the latest tracks of rock, pop, reggae, rhetro-pop and remixes of Hindi and Goan medleys."
As noticed live, 2..SHARP's music spans a broad range of harmonies, from Goan and foreign-inspired music to more modern trends with mixtures of genres and ethnic elements. 2..SHARP have already done a number of shows. They have played alongside Goa's topmost band Forefront and other local bands.
Few however know that Shahu, a dynamic talent with his keyboard, began his tryst with music drumming his way into the hearts of his school-mates at his school's Annual Gatherings, propelling him into the musical horizon forever. He is the alumnus of St. Francis Xavier H. School Macazana and Guardian Angel College, Sanvordem.
Evolving into an ace drummer, he had the rare and splendid opportunity of honing his musical skills under the baton of Chris Perry, the eternal icon and consummate genius of Goan music and playing alongside his son Errol Perry. With music flowing in his veins, his drum beats reverberated in many well-known Goan bands of the nineties such as 'Ultimate', 'Magic Touch', 'The News', 'Human Status', 'Black Lace', etc, to name a few. Shahu disclosed that he played in over 1000 weddings as a drummer with these groups.
But it was his evolution into a keyboardist that shot him into instant fame. Interestingly, Shahu switched over to the keyboards not on his own volition but at the suggestion of Fr. Livio D'Mello under whose cudgel he played for the choir at St. Francis Xavier's church, Macasana. From then on there was no looking back.
Shahu has indeed come a long way with his association with music spanning over a decade. His musical creativity was elevated further after his arrival in Kuwait in October 1999. He began with a bang in Kuwait-based director Jose Rod's unmatched broadway hit 'Tujem Nanv Vhodd zaum' which was staged all over the Middle East and back home in Goa.
Shahu has also played in Muscat, Doha, Bahrain, Bangalore, Darjeeling, etc, and performed for top directors such as Prem Kumar, Roseferns, Jacob, Menino de Bandar, Pascoal Rodrigues, C.D. Silva, John D' Silva, Ben Evangelist, Rosario Rodrigues, etc, apart from all the directors in Kuwait. He also did a short musical stint playing live music at Dubai's famous Viva Goa restaurant.
Speaking on his experience and performance Shahu said, "I used to enjoy playing at the Rock Greenal annual musical show at Curtorim."
Shahu says his most challenging one-man performance was in Mini Mario's 'Kiteak Ho Bazar Cholta?' staged in Kuwait in April 2007. "I had to pick-up the notes on the troupe's arrival on the morning of the show and I can proudly say that I played to perfection without proper rehearsals," Says Shahu, further adding, "with musical notes handy, I can play non stop music for over 8 hours.
Shahu can be aptly described as a consummate artist with an alluring passion and drive for music. Undoubtedly his heart thumps 'musical' beats, for when it comes to music he is simply indefatigable, endowed with an amazing genius -- coupled with a prodigious memory for music.
Shahu reached the highpoint of his career when he was roped in as a music composer by the doyen of Konkani stage, the legendary Rosario Rodrigues wherein his captivating rhythm set aflame many of the unforgettable hits like 'Hanv Kallukant Sandlim' where Shahu pioneered the unique 'one man band' concept providing the entire spectrum of music on a single keyboard! Under the ace director's able tutelage Shahu had a free rein toying with refreshing, innovative ideas which enabled him to break new grounds by pushing hard the frontiers of Goan music.
With sky being the limit, Shahu went on to produce innumerable chart busting scores for numerous hit dramas and musicals which gained him popularity of a household name.
Music apart, Shahu is an intensely endearing and an adorable human being who attaches great value to friendships and family ties. Blessed with a wonderful wife and a cherubic son named Aerosmith, and a daughter born on August 31, 2008, Shahu is a devoted husband, a doting father and a dutiful son.
Sensitive and devout to the core, Shahu faithfully plays for the Holy Family Cathedral Church choir (Kuwait) for the 8.00 a.m mass every Friday since 1999. Time and experience have greatly enriched his remarkable musical abilities and today Shahu continues to add increasing complexity and refinement to his astounding gift of music which is sure to hold the audience in a thrall for years to come!
Kuwait, Sept 29, 2010: Musicians usually specialize in particular types of music although there can be the opportunity to move between the genres. The job requires high levels of skill, expertise and dedication. Most musicians do their job as they have a passion for music.
Kuwait based Goan musician Shahu Almeida, first Goan musician to play a one-man band in dramas, has been playing a variety of music right from his young age. He ventures his skills into direction and singing in a Konkani songs video (DVD) album comprising select Goan artistes based in Kuwait.
The album, entirely shot and produced in Kuwait is scheduled to go public on 1st October 2010 at Kuwait Medical Association Hall, Jabriya, Kuwait.
For decades Konkani language songs 'Cantaram' on radio and on stage have been taking their cues from real life. Konkani singers are quick to get across their views, on life and day-to-day issues, with stunning boldness, criticism and satire.
Expecting the unexpected in 'Musician'
However, in a video film, the challenge any videographer faces is to create a video that keeps the ‘watcher’ captivated. It requires an extra effort spent on special effects and specialized editing techniques. Those who are new to the business may not have time to develop such techniques as they refine more basic capabilities—like learning to shoot efficiently or streamline their editing workflow—before finding the specialities. Ignatius Fernandes, the editor of the film realizes the time and burden that these demands add to a typical edit and has covered it up with a very decent cinema-photography.
‘Musician’ doesn’t have creative elements to boast of but it definitely portrays fabulous artistic quality in both Shahu the musician and Ignatius the videographer. The DVD has sparkling quality in clarity.
Being shot in Kuwait, many would expect the unexpected with Ignatius to exploit what the structural beauty of Kuwait City has to offer. Still, Shahu and Ignatius have done a tremendous job. Shooting a video-film in a country like Kuwait, known for it’s strict legislation for outdoor filming, is difficult indeed. But Ignatius, the young, budding filmmaker shows great potential and professionalism with a more than average creation.
A well-known band leader of 2S#arp, a musical group in Kuwait, crooning non-stop medleys is a regular flamboyance for Shahu. In ‘Musician’, he has endeavored hard to voice the opening song and he should be appreciated for the effort. With time and experience, he should be able to make a remarkable progress.
There are songs that make you feel some kind of way about things that you go through in life, sequenced with scenes nicely enacted by Mestri Camilo Vaz, Joseph Rodrigues, Agusto Morais, Adella Morais, Domnic Mascarenhas and the ever imitable Lawry Miranda.
Age in it’s mythic ways defines everyone individually in a co-existing, beautifully established world. The tune and lyrics of Rosary Ferns’ song Ponchtis Vorsam are incredible and once again shows the class of the seasoned singer.
Devak Zago Poilo
Many of our Goan singers have got a great drive to sing with their heart and their diaphragm. Sylvester Vaz and Irene’s song ‘Devak Zago Poilo’ is sure to captivate everyone. Some Konkani fans will not be able to get it out of their mind. The song is just too beautiful. Anyone can actually relate to this song. I do believe that Sylvester is just gifted not only with voice but also with the melodies. His song should receive very high acclaim and much positive reception for its magnificent composition.
Sylvester has another solo 'Konn Zait Tho' which is also rich and admirable.
‘Onupkari Put’ sung by Johny de Sirvodem and Gracy Morais has the most beautiful, inspiring and touching lyrics in modern times. The song continues in such a way that one is bound to cry the first time they sit down to watch it.
Gracy has a sweet, tender voice. The words sound so amazing and real in her expression. When I hear her voice, I always imagine she is singing to me. The song is gonna capture everyone’s attention and soul.
Kuwait's Trio Kings
The DVD consists 2 solid trios by Cajetan de Sanvordem-Mario de Majorda-Michael de Silva. Cajetan de Sanvordem is blessed and he never disappoints. His voice and music in the song ‘Global Crisis’ are in sync and you know what, people will love his ‘rhythmic style’ whilst singing. Michael D'Silva is a sterling composer-singer in his own right. With Kuwait’s popular artiste Mario de Majorda, the threesome put up great treble voices of Segundo-premier-bass. I’d give the song a 12/10 given the existing situation in the world, and especially in the middle-east.
The trio’s other song on ‘Kuwaitchi Margai’ is commendable too. Some people would find it undeniably confusing though, the way Michael proclaims ‘atam dinarak viktat Sadia Chicken’ in the chorus, as the price of chicken displayed visibly reads 795 fils in Arabic!
The last verse of the song is also ‘chilling’ in its implication. Not many will appreciate projecting the ‘local’ drinks which are arguably unfamiliar to most people in this non-alco-holy country. For sure nobody wants to soil innocent Kuwait or project the country to the outside world otherwise!
Katty de Navelim sings ‘Dadlo’ in his most powerful voice. His lyrics perhaps come from personal experience. I honestly feel sorry for always having to have experienced these emotions myself, even if, without the experience Katty would never have written the song.
'Maim ani Pai’ sung by little Gaynelle and Jeremiah is amazing indeed and nicely filmed, but I feel awful even attempting to understand the pain and anguish written in it. The picturisation of the aristocratic looking Jeremiah and Gaynelle fails to bring the desired misery and sadness to the song.
Comedy Queen Querobina makes her presence felt with ‘Sri-Lankan’, supported by Emalio.
‘Amchea Bapa’ by Bab Agnel is so significant and means so much, because it reminds us that even when we feel completely wise in the world, we are not. There will always be someone else who feels the same too.
The lyrics of Edward’s ‘Almaar’ are good and sung with a pleasant, smiley face, backed by excellent flow of music by Shahu and his troupe. However, the melody is too Goaniversal to be an all-time standout.
I am sure the video will go well with fans. But Konkani speaking audiences worldwide are much wiser by the day. People do not view videos as just a way to kill time, they judge. That people don’t compliment or comment too openly is a different matter. However, Shahu’s debut album seems to be much ahead of time. Let’s hope and pray, artistes in Kuwait get together with the maestro and make more amazing videos in days to come.
The digital Video CD, lovingly dedicated by Shahu to his beloved parents, should reach everybody out there who’s not yet heard of the great ‘Musician’.
2#Sharp to miss this band...
By Gasper CrastoKuwait, Sept 26, 2008: In recent years, a wide range of skilled ensembles have helped raise the profile of Goan music both nationally and internationally.
Amongst the contemporary big names of musicians, the name of Francis Almeida, popularly known as Shahu hailing from Macasana - Goa, shines amongst the stellar bracket of Goa's top-notch musicians with his indispensable contribution towards the art.
Shahu may be recognized more in the genre of dramas. But behind his simplicity, is the unmistakable halo of his talent as a star musician of Goan bands. With his past penchant and passion for innovative, brilliant music, Shahu has teamed up with Clevie Fernandes – a young Goan crooner from Bombay (born in Kuwait), to continue on what he loves to do best – hypnotize his listeners to a magical sway.
Clevie, whose parental home is in Raia - Goa, has been a fan of Shahu right from childhood days. He was a member of Funky Heads, the famous event organizers in Goa where he was involved in hosting mega programs like Channel 'V' Live, Bacardi Blast annuals, Radio Mirch, etc.
"Playing dance and party music is much simpler for me," reveals Shahu, "Unlike in dramas where I have to play complex tunes, playing pop and party music demands minimum of efforts because I know what exactly I am going to play. Ofcourse we practice a lot and we are armed with the latest tracks of rock, pop, reggae, rhetro-pop and remixes of Hindi and Goan medleys."
As noticed live, 2..SHARP's music spans a broad range of harmonies, from Goan and foreign-inspired music to more modern trends with mixtures of genres and ethnic elements. 2..SHARP have already done a number of shows. They have played alongside Goa's topmost band Forefront and other local bands.
Few however know that Shahu, a dynamic talent with his keyboard, began his tryst with music drumming his way into the hearts of his school-mates at his school's Annual Gatherings, propelling him into the musical horizon forever. He is the alumnus of St. Francis Xavier H. School Macazana and Guardian Angel College, Sanvordem.
Evolving into an ace drummer, he had the rare and splendid opportunity of honing his musical skills under the baton of Chris Perry, the eternal icon and consummate genius of Goan music and playing alongside his son Errol Perry. With music flowing in his veins, his drum beats reverberated in many well-known Goan bands of the nineties such as 'Ultimate', 'Magic Touch', 'The News', 'Human Status', 'Black Lace', etc, to name a few. Shahu disclosed that he played in over 1000 weddings as a drummer with these groups.
But it was his evolution into a keyboardist that shot him into instant fame. Interestingly, Shahu switched over to the keyboards not on his own volition but at the suggestion of Fr. Livio D'Mello under whose cudgel he played for the choir at St. Francis Xavier's church, Macasana. From then on there was no looking back.
Shahu has indeed come a long way with his association with music spanning over a decade. His musical creativity was elevated further after his arrival in Kuwait in October 1999. He began with a bang in Kuwait-based director Jose Rod's unmatched broadway hit 'Tujem Nanv Vhodd zaum' which was staged all over the Middle East and back home in Goa.
Shahu has also played in Muscat, Doha, Bahrain, Bangalore, Darjeeling, etc, and performed for top directors such as Prem Kumar, Roseferns, Jacob, Menino de Bandar, Pascoal Rodrigues, C.D. Silva, John D' Silva, Ben Evangelist, Rosario Rodrigues, etc, apart from all the directors in Kuwait. He also did a short musical stint playing live music at Dubai's famous Viva Goa restaurant.
Speaking on his experience and performance Shahu said, "I used to enjoy playing at the Rock Greenal annual musical show at Curtorim."
Shahu says his most challenging one-man performance was in Mini Mario's 'Kiteak Ho Bazar Cholta?' staged in Kuwait in April 2007. "I had to pick-up the notes on the troupe's arrival on the morning of the show and I can proudly say that I played to perfection without proper rehearsals," Says Shahu, further adding, "with musical notes handy, I can play non stop music for over 8 hours.
Shahu can be aptly described as a consummate artist with an alluring passion and drive for music. Undoubtedly his heart thumps 'musical' beats, for when it comes to music he is simply indefatigable, endowed with an amazing genius -- coupled with a prodigious memory for music.
Shahu reached the highpoint of his career when he was roped in as a music composer by the doyen of Konkani stage, the legendary Rosario Rodrigues wherein his captivating rhythm set aflame many of the unforgettable hits like 'Hanv Kallukant Sandlim' where Shahu pioneered the unique 'one man band' concept providing the entire spectrum of music on a single keyboard! Under the ace director's able tutelage Shahu had a free rein toying with refreshing, innovative ideas which enabled him to break new grounds by pushing hard the frontiers of Goan music.
With sky being the limit, Shahu went on to produce innumerable chart busting scores for numerous hit dramas and musicals which gained him popularity of a household name.
Music apart, Shahu is an intensely endearing and an adorable human being who attaches great value to friendships and family ties. Blessed with a wonderful wife and a cherubic son named Aerosmith, and a daughter born on August 31, 2008, Shahu is a devoted husband, a doting father and a dutiful son.
Sensitive and devout to the core, Shahu faithfully plays for the Holy Family Cathedral Church choir (Kuwait) for the 8.00 a.m mass every Friday since 1999. Time and experience have greatly enriched his remarkable musical abilities and today Shahu continues to add increasing complexity and refinement to his astounding gift of music which is sure to hold the audience in a thrall for years to come!