Kuwait: When we look at the spectrum of popular Goan female singers, the most successful ones haven't just been gifted with a beautiful voice; they are alluring on stage as well. And that's just a bonus to their unmatched talent.
Among the new generation of pretty singers, Shunaina Baptista hailing from Majorda, Goa, has captivated everyone’s attention. She is sure to blaze Kuwait by her presence when she visits the country for Maestro Shahu’s acclaimed Konkani musical ‘Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem’.
SHUNAINA: PRIVATE PROFILE
Born to Ilma and Salvador Baptista, Shunaina is the granddaughter of late Urban Gonsalves, a professional musician (saxophone/clarinet/violinist) of yesteryears – fondly remembered for his music in Rosario Rodrigues dramas.
Shunaina has a major with distinction in Zoology from Smt Parvathibai Chowgule College, Margao. She is currently doing her Post Graduation in Clinical Genetics and Medical Techniques at the Goa Medical College.
Shunaina’s younger sister Carissa is equally talented and sings regularly in musical shows.
EARLY YEARS
Shunaina first sang on stage when she was just 3 years old and won 1st place at her kindergarten Mother of God’s Convent, Majorda.
When she was 7 years old (1st Standard), she won 1st place in singing at the Vidya Vikas Academy.
In her 9th Standard (Fr. Agnels, Verna), Shunaina won 1st Prize in the State Level Singing Competition.
In-between, Shunaina participated in many singing competitions winning many prizes and accolades. She sang for the annual mando festivals as well.
A STEP INTO STARDOM
Shunaina’s actual journey into stardom began in the year 2013 when she participated in the very 1st Voice of Majorda Singing competition and won the First Prize.
“Winning the Voice of Majorda competition was a huge boost to my career,” says Shunaina, “There was no looking back. Since then, I began to sing at different events and competitions. My family, especially my parents encouraged me too.”
From 2013 till date, Shunaina has sung for dramas of Kala Nitetan Goa, a group headed by Michael Gracias performing for TAG (Tiatr Academy Goa) competitions, and All-Goa Mando competitions.
Dramas that Shunaina has performed include: Sintidan Paim Ghal Gho Bai, Xi Xi Ghann Gutan, Povitr Apounnem, Lost and Found, Ho Mog Osso Koso, etc.
Shunaina claimed Best Female Singer awards at the TAG competition for Xi Xi Ghan Gutan in 2013 and Ho Mog Osso Koso in 2016 respectively.
CAREER STINT
Shunaina’s brief career to date includes singing for Goan bands Silver Strings, High Octave, and The Rising.
She has also done playback singing for various CD albums such as Xanti Tumkam, Goencho Rakhno Goencho Saib, To Dis, Teddy Bear, etc, and for a movie called Padrik Nanv Nam with music arranged by Anand Tari.
After being the finalist at Goencho Avaz Edition 2, for which she is well-known, Shunaina had the opportunity to perform in Bombay and then went on to perform in Dubai as a guest singer for Gabby Productions.
She visited Dubai again as a member of the Goencho Avaz Group.
Besides solo performances, Shunaina also sings for ‘Simple Harmonic Voices’, a choral group.
The multi-talented starlet sure has a lot to offer. She is expected to be at her best in Kuwait and prove her worth.
‘TIATRISTPONN DEVACHEM DENNNEM’, a musical show with comedy skits, is organized by St. Francis Xavier Boys to raise funds for charity.
A cast of select artistes that will perform in the show apart from Shunaina include:
STAR PERFORMERS:
Lawry Travasso,
Rosario de Benaulim,
Amresh Kamat – famed mimicry artiste from Qatar
COMEDIANS:
Nelson Colaco & Lucy Aranha
ON VOCALS:
Kuwait Trio of Cajetan de Sanvordem-Mario de Majorda-Michael D’Silva
Gracy Rodrigues,
Clemmie Almeida,
Esparansa Barretto,
Laurente Pereira,
Balthazar Pontes,
Alberto Azavedo
Katty de Navelim,
Bab Agnel,
Seby & Seby Mascarenhas,
Custodio de Cuncolim
Pitu Ferns &
Gasper Crasto
MUSICIANS:
Maestro Shahu,
Faustino Fernandes,
Flaviano Furtado,
Tony Fernandes,
Rafio Gonsalves
FACT FILE - SHUNAINA BAPTISTA
Birthday:
|
July
9
|
Schools:
|
Vidya Vikas Academy,
&
Fr.
Agnel Multipurpose Higher Secondary School
|
College:
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Smt. Paravatibai Chowgule
Chowgule College of Arts and Science
|
Medical
College:
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Goa Medical College
|
Favorite
Quote:
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Every cloud has a silver lining, just keep holding on.
|
Favorite
Pastime:
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To
be around with people that I love – parents and friends.
|
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