By Gasper Crasto
Kuwait: Konkani Musical Evening (Songit Sanz) held at Souk Al-Watiya’s Asia-Asia Hall entertained a sizeable Goan crowd in Kuwait on 8th September 2013 (Sunday Evening).
Photos by: Rivon Gomes
Kuwait: Konkani Musical Evening (Songit Sanz) held at Souk Al-Watiya’s Asia-Asia Hall entertained a sizeable Goan crowd in Kuwait on 8th September 2013 (Sunday Evening).
The ‘Sanz’ presented by Kuwait Konkani Mogi on the occasion of Our Lady’s feast brought together artistes of different genre for the first time under one platform for a variety of program. It was an immense stimulus towards reinforcing Goan identity and, as a spectator noted, “at reviving the roots of our mother-tongue from the mongrel society we live in Kuwait today.”
Photos by: Rivon Gomes
The main aim of the program was to highlight awareness of fellow Goans towards the Konkani language, and showcase hidden talents of Goans especially those working under domestic roofs.
Shri Agnelo Alcasoas - Special Invitee attends show
The evening was attended by Shri Agnelo Alcasoas, proprietor of Queeny Productions & Publications, and ‘Jivit’ Konkani monthly magazine who flew in from Goa as a special invitee. Other prominent personalities that were present included Shri Fidelis Fernandes - KIFF president, Fr. Anthony Lopes, Fr. Franco Pereira, Shri Cajetan de Sanvordem, Mr. Ramzy Nuseibeh and his daughter Ms Siham Nuseibeh.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Alcasoas applauded efforts of Kuwaitkars over the years for the general enrichment of Konkani language. “It is commendable to note the massive popularity of ‘Jivit’ magazine among the masses,” he said adding, “I will extend all help in ensuring Goan overseas voice is heard...”
Shri Alcasoas also promised to give discounted rates for ads in the ‘Jivit’ magazine.
Fidelis Fernandes, Fr. Anthony Lopes and Salvador Dias also spoke on the occasion.
Goans Felicitated
The organizers felicitated Nevis Fernandes (Nagoa-Bardez), Antonette Fernandes-e-Pereira (Sanvordem) and Luiza Abranches (Mapusa) for their contribution in uplifting the Konkani language in their own way. Salvador Dias (Curtorim) was also honored for admirable social work that he does in Kuwait.
Shri Domnic Fernandes, one of the master-minds behind the ‘Sanz’ summarized the works of the felicitated individuals, and sought to arrest gloomy winds sweeping across the Goan community in Kuwait.
“With the younger generation completely at sea with Goan culture and traditional values, a threat looms large that the vital link to the ancestral heritage through our mother-tongue, and morals will be lost forever,” says Shri Domnic.
“I will continue to work hard for the upliftment and awareness of our language among Goans in Kuwait,” stated the soft-spoken Domnic who was recently appointed by the Kuwait’s Holy Family Cathedral to the Parish Council and a representative of the Konkani-speaking Goan community.
Salazar Menezes, Gennifer Marshall, Agnelo Rebello and Manuel Goes were other prominent members of the organizers - Kuwait Konkani Mogi.
Variety of Program entertains crowd
A large contingent of artistes took part in the program.
Earlier, the invited dignitaries were welcomed in a procession followed by a prayer by Felix Dias and a short welcome-speech by Gennifer Marshall. Rosario Viegas, stalwart Konkani supporter spoke on behalf of the audience.
The welcome-song was sung by Felix Dias choreographed to lip-singing and dance by Lawrie M, Clara Rodrigues, Albert & family, Anthony Fernandes, Imelda, Tulsidas Achrekar, Helen, Tadeo and Angela Fernandes.
Charm of the evening was the especially composed ‘Happy Birthday Song’ sung by Felix Dias in honour of Our Lady.
There were a variety of songs, a short skit and a dance by little Aerosmith Almeida. The singers included Gaudencio Gomes, Custodio Coutinho, Estela Barretto, Lawrie M, Gennifer and Zelia, Gracy & Agusto Morais, Esparansa & Gasper Crasto, Clemmie Almeida & Salazar Menezes, Domnic Fernandes and Felix Dias.
Well-known writer-director and artiste of the Konkani stage Laurente Pereira released his Video CD entitled “Tovui Ek Munis..!”
Music for the evening was arranged by Maestro Shahu, Kuwait’s premier Goan musician. The sound system was provided by Cheslee. Rivon Gomes did the photography while Remy Rodrigues captured the moments on video.
John Godinho compered the whole function in Konkani. Shri Domnic Fernandes proposed a vote of thanks. He thanked the media especially Arab Times, Indians in Kuwait, Mangalorean.com, Goa-World for the extensive coverage of the event.
:::The above NEWS appeared in Kuwait's Arab Times dated 22 September 2013:::
:::The above NEWS appeared in Kuwait's Arab Times dated 22 September 2013:::