-by Gasper Crasto...16.10.2016
Kuwait: Konkani musical show ‘Love You Goa’ organized by Kala Mogi in Kuwait, Friday 14th Oct brought back sweet memories of the legendary ‘Bhuierantlo Munis’ singer Adolf Fernandes who lived in Kuwait for almost 3 decades before leaving for good exactly a year ago – last October.
It was when Goan visiting child artiste Joyrus Mascarenhas came on stage to sing ‘Kiteak Kortai Nokre’ from the masterpiece film that revoked the magnetic charm of Adolf.
No doubt, it was a joy to see the young, talented Joyrus sing the song, however, the incomparable voice of Adolf in the ‘immortal’ hit still rings matchless and inimitable in everyone’s ears.
THE GREAT ADOLF
Hailing from Ponda, Goa, Adolf’s singing career in Kuwait spanned many years.
Although Adolf was best known and identified for his playback song in Goa's first Konkani color film, Adolf earned praises as lead vocalist of Goan bands in Kuwait such as ‘Hot Sands’ and ‘Top Ranks’.
Adolf has been one the most popular Goan singers to have lived his life in Kuwait. The credit for being one of the first artistes to present Konkani kantaram at social functions perhaps goes to Adolf. Long timers say there was never a show or a wedding without Adolf singing in Konkani as ‘Top Ranks’ were always present and popular for such events in Kuwait.
Adolf, who was based in Bombay in his early years, teamed up with Maestro Socorro D’ Mello and also with ‘Top Ranks’ for many shows in Kuwait.
Adolf’s wife Cynthia was equally talented, doing the vocals for a band called ‘Phantom Revival’ in Bombay. The couple never hesitated to grab an opportunity to sing together – be it a social event or a private celebration among friends.
ADOLF’S STINTS IN MUSIC WORLD
For a brief period, Adolf sang with Chris Perry in Dubai before returning back to Kuwait. He also sang with the renowned Monserrate Brothers, producers of Konkani audio album ‘Hello Lorna’.
Adolf always considered Chris Perry, who rendered music for the classic 1977 ‘Bhuierantlo Munis’(Cave Man), as his favorite musician and idol. Incidentally, it was Chris Perry who composed lyrics and music for the blockbuster film that propelled Adolf into instant fame and placed him on a supreme pedestal of Goan legendary singers.
Adolf with wife Cynthia
Adolf also mesmerized Konkani music lovers in the audio cassette ‘Lambada in Goa’ together with Lawrence de Tiracol and Lorna. He also features in another audio cassette called ‘Besaum’, singing 2 duets with Lorna and a solo.
Adolf delighted audiences in Kuwait at Mega Musical Shows presented by Kuwait Goa Tiatristanchi Sonvstha (KGTS), he has a unique distinction of singing with Kuwait-based celebrated star Jose Rod, and Lorna.
Adolf is also on record for having sung with famed singers Sonia Sirsat and Usha Utthup.
During the Global Goan Convention organized by Goan Cultural Centre - Kuwait, in the year 2010, Adolf earned immense appreciation of delegates from over 15 countries for his unforgettable hits 'Kiteak Kortai Nokre' and ‘Adeus’.
The legendary singer worked in Kuwait as Senior Executive for Inchcape Shipping Services before he retired and left Kuwait.
Goans in Kuwait surely miss the great singer.
No matter how many Adolfs come across, treasured voice of the great legend and his thunderous laughter in ‘Kiteak Kortai Nokre’ will remain ever memorable and embossed with Konkani music lovers for a long, long time.
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