‘Goencho Rakhonddar’ – Konkani musical entertains packed audience in Kuwait
Copyrights © GASPER CRASTO
A Report by Gasper Crasto; Photos by Rivon Gomes
Kuwait: ‘Goencho Rakonddar’ (Goa’s Protector), a Konkani musical show presented by well-known Goan musician Maestro Shahu Almeida entertained a packed Goan audience at the Asia-Asia hall in Kuwait City, Sunday 1st December 2013.
The show organized by Kaifan Boyz was staged in tribute and celebration of the grand feast of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa.
Opening chorus featuring all the main artistes was an exceptional one. Beauty of the chorus was Maestro Shahu playing on the saxophone which captured everyone’s hearts. Shahu was so amazing – his bravura style, apt attire and rhythmic flow of the music gave a sensation of a ‘Yani’-type performance on stage.
The seasoned Maestro provided a one-man music for the entire show which was absorbing as usual.
“It’s a unique thing seen on Konkani stage, hope we get to see the great Shahu perform often...” remarked one passionate attendee later after the show.
Goan dramas and music in Kuwait fulfills its function to divert one’s mind from the realities of hard life faced by many. ‘Goencho Rakonddar’ brought smiles galore as it enthralled the audience with a variety of songs – solos, duos and trios and hilarious skits.
The comedy skits featuring Mangalorean star comedian Lucy Aranha, Comedian Nelson Colaso, and stage-great Mario de Majorda in the role of a priest entertained the audience with their alluring and hilarious acts. The ‘match’ of Lucy and Nelson was wonderful on stage, they made the audience laugh with peals of laughter.
The others who featured in the show included the Lopes Brothers – Alex and Michael, Clemmie Pereira, Baba Aerosmith, Esparansa Barretto, Gasper Crasto, Edward Estibeiro, Katty de Navelim, Bab Agnel, Laurente Pereira, Agnelo Ferns, Lawry M, Gaudencio Pereira, Manuel, Benedict, Peter, John-Joaquim-Succor, Custodio Coutinho, Seby & Seby, Joaquim, and Kuwait's famous trio Cajetan de Sanvordem-Michael D'Silva-Mario de Majorda.
The popular Lopes Brothers sang their trademark duo, a song based on the state of de-mining in Goa. Established stars Laurente Pereira, Michael D’Silva and Bab Agnel had commanding solos while Katty de Navelim’s song with his ever-powerful voice was well accepted by the audience.
Kuwait’s Trio Kings Cajetan-Michael-Mario lived up to people’s expectations singing a trio based on Kuwait with their blend of incredible voices.
Edward Estibeiro sang in the voice and attire of a male-female to a great applause. Esparansa & Gasper Crasto dazzled the audience with their rhythmic song choreographed with dance steps. The pair were later awarded a prize for their performance at the hands of Mr. Gabriel of Kaifan Boyz.
Aerosmith Almeida, Shahu’s 7-year son stole the limelight with a dance presentation on the footsteps of Michael Jackson. The little boy was well applauded by the audience. He was also given a prize for his stunning dance.
Well-known photographer Rivon Gomes and Konkani singer Edward Estibeiro were felicitated by the organizers Kaifan Boyz. Both Rivon and Edward are long-timers in Kuwait and have immensely contributed towards art and stage respectively. Edward Estibeiro, son of former Konkani tiatro star Epa de Parado, will be leaving Kuwait for good, shortly.
Earlier at the start of the show, Braz de Parra based in Kuwait, released his maiden Konkani audio album entitled, ‘Kosli Ixttagot” featuring a galaxy of Goan stars. The CD was released at the hands of Kuwait Trio Kings – Mario de Majorda-Cajetan de Sanvordem-Michael D’Silva. Mr. Gasper Almeida and Cynthia Rodrigues were also present.
A video CD entitled ‘Meulem Mhaka’ produced by John Rodrigues with music by Maestro Shahu Almeida was also released.
It is an enormous task to organize any event in Kuwait. Members of Kaifan Boyz deserve all credit for joining hands with Maestro Shahu to host a memorable show and entertain the Goan audience in Kuwait who have been craving for Konkani shows like ‘Goencho Rakonddar’ for a long, long time.
:::The above report appears in Kuwait media and many websites including www.indiansinkuwait.com & http://mangalorean.com/ :::